The Sunday News
Roberta Katunga
PROBABLY known for its rich history and heritage, Bulawayo and its environs is endowed with attractions that not only seek to preserve but promote the country’s cultural heritage.
When one hears the mention of Matopos, a mental picture of rocky boulders which sit precariously on top of each other, quickly comes to mind. However, Matopos as an attraction is not limited to the rocks or the grave of Cecil John Rhodes but has so much more to offer visitors, as Amagugu International Heritage Centre alludes to.
Located 60km along the Bulawayo-Kezi road is a cultural and recreational centre that any tourist is bound to fall in love with. Amagugu provides a range of participatory cultural activities with the aim of promoting tangible and intangible indigenous cultural heritage in one of the world’s heritage sites — Matopos.
Open daily from 9am-5pm, Amagugu packages cultural heritage in its diversity in a day filled with participatory activities that range from basket weaving, pottery, wood carving and leather works as well as traditional games, dance and music.
A visit to Amagugu is not only educational but memorable with a craft shop filled with artefacts made by the local community to ensure memories of that trip are kept alive.
The morning at Amagugu can be a busy one as one enjoys taking part in the various activities but the afternoons are not to be outdone as the recreational side has more in store for the cultural enthusiasts.
Braai on the rocks involves a braai on the mountain where you enjoy the scenic view of the Matopos natural landscape, Njelele mountain and Gonde dam as the senior tour guide explains the symbolism and significance of the rain making shrine.
The shrine is part of the Matobo Hills, which is found in a granite kopje with three naturally hidden entrances that wind up and down among overhang granite boulders into the shrine.
However, the main attribute of Njelele is not the cave, but the gallery in the rocks. There are also several small tunnels, which lead to the shrine’s various chambers from the narrow entrance between two tall rocks.
An assortment of skulls and horns of big game, iron hoes, clay pots containing water, cloth and beads, piles of tobacco, hatchets, and spears are kept in one of the caves at Njelele.
It is believed these objects were offerings to the presiding deity. There is a lot to learn about this shrine and the tour guide would explain it better.
Among other activities facilitated by Amagugu are the nature walks where one learns about the various indigenous tree species like intolwane and its value, tours to the cave paintings that tell the story of people who used to live in the area as well as a visit to Mzilikazi’s grave.
Another interesting aspect of the tour is a visit to the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (MOTH) shrine. MOTH was set up after the First World War to support the soldiers who had fought in the war and also their families.
What makes a trip to Amagugu a must visit is the affordability of all the activities as with $5 a person can enjoy everything on offer and this also comes with a sense of community development as the centre seeks to promote communal sites and give back to the community.
Be sure to visit Amagugu International Heritage Centre where nature and culture meet for your dose of cultural heritage and learn more about the history of this beautiful and rich destination.
For all traditional food lovers, 14 May would be the ideal day to stop over at Amagugu as the centre will be hosting a traditional food and beverages expo.
