West Nicholson

West Nicholson or Tshabezi is a town in the Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe.[1]

West Nicholson
Tshabezi
Mzingwane River at West Nicholson
Mzingwane River at West Nicholson
West Nicholson is located in Zimbabwe
West Nicholson
West Nicholson
Location in Zimbabwe
Coordinates: 21°03′52″S 29°21′54″E
Country Zimbabwe
ProvinceMatabeleland South
Districts of ZimbabweGwanda District
MunicipalityWest Nicholson Town Council
Elevation
820 m (2,690 ft)
Population
 (1982 Census)
 • Total1,633
Time zoneUTC+2 (CAT)
ClimateCwa

Location

It is located in Gwanda District, along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Highway, approximately 44 kilometres (27 mi), southeast of the town of Gwanda, where the district headquarters are located.[2] This is approximately 171 kilometres (106 mi), by road, southeast of Bulawayo, the nearest large city.[3] West Nicholson is approximately 150.5 kilometres (94 mi), by road, northwest of the town of Beitbridge, at the international border with South Africa.[4] The geographical coordinates of the town are: 21°03'52.0"S, 29°21'54.0"E (Latitude:-21.064444; Longitude:29.365000).[5] West Nicholson sits at an average elevation of 820 metres (2,690 ft) above mean sea level.[6]

Overview

West Nicholson is named after Andy Nicholson, an early prospector who entered the country with the Pioneer Column and was responsible for mining exploration in the area.[7]

The town hosted a large beef factory, that turned the local cattle into corned beef and biltong, but this is now closed. There is a supermarket and butchery run by Rogers Brothers and Sons. Game and Safari activities are available at Tshabezi Safaris, Tamba, Sondelani and Tod's Guest House. Once a major gold mining area, the country around West Nicholson is riddled with small workings, the only major mining activity still occurs about four kilometers along the main road towards Bulawayo. The mine is called Jessie Mine owned by F.A. Stewart Private Limited.[7]

The Mzingwane River runs through the town and a railway runs past it, carrying passengers and cargo.[8]

Population

According to the 1982 population census, West Nicholson had a population of 1,633.[9]

Sports

Sporting activities are mainly based on soccer, having two teams namely, Jessie Mine Football Club and West Nicholson United playing in the Zimbabwe Football Association's lower division leagues. Other sporting activities include netball and volleyball with Jessie Mine and JZ Moyo High School taking part in the Matabeleland South Volleyball Association's leagues.[10]

Education

The local primary school, West Nicholson Primary School, is located close to downtown and is run by the Lutheran Church. JZ Moyo High School (Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo High School), is a government high school, for both girls and boys, that was established in 1982.[10] It is located in the former Majoda Farm, approximately 14 kilometres (9 mi), north of West Nicholson on the road to Filabusi.[11] JZ Moyo High School is part of the ZIMFEP group of schools.[12]

References
  1. Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu and Paidamoyo Chipunza (16 November 2018). "30 Perish In West Nicholson Bus Accident". The Herald (Zimbabwe). Harare. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  2. Google (26 July 2020). "Road Distance Between Gwanda and West Nicholson" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  3. Google (26 July 2020). "Distance Between Bulawayo And West Nicholson" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  4. Google (26 July 2020). "Distance Between West Nicholson And Beitbridge" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  5. Google (26 July 2020). "Location of West Nicholson, Zimbabwe" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  6. Tip Top Globe (26 July 2020). "Elevation of West Nicholson". Tiptopglobe.com. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  7. The Rhodesian Study Circle (911). "West Nicholson Mine, Gwanda District". London: The Rhodesian Study Circle Organisation, United Kingdom. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  8. Google (27 July 2020). "Map Showing Umzingwane River in West Nicholson, Zimbabwe" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  9. Hunt in Africa (1990). "Population of West Nicolson, Zimbabwe In 1982". Huntinafrica.com. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  10. Prince Sunduzani (14 October 2017). "JZ Moyo High believes in holistic, inclusive approach to education". The Chronicle (Zimbabwe). Bulawayo. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  11. Google (27 July 2020). "Distance Between West Nicholson and JZ Moyo High School" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  12. "ZIMFEP: Education Through Production". Zimbabwe: Zimfep.org. 2012. Archived from the original (Archived from the original on 13 March 2012) on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
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