Ngundu: Exploring the Jewel of Chivi District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Introduction

Ngundu, a picturesque village nestled in Chivi District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This comprehensive article aims to provide valuable information for both Zimbabweans and non-Zimbabweans interested in understanding the town of Ngundu.

The Weather in Ngundu

Ngundu experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The region enjoys warm temperatures, especially during the dry months, making it an ideal destination for those seeking pleasant weather conditions.

Location and GPS Coordinates

Situated at the crossroads where the road to Chiredzi diverges from the main Beitbridge to Masvingo road, Ngundu boasts a strategic location. The GPS coordinates for Ngundu are not explicitly provided in the sources but are typically available through online mapping services.

History of Ngundu

The history of Ngundu, a village in Chivi District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of the nation’s past. While specific details about Ngundu’s history are not extensively documented, it is part of the broader historical narrative of Zimbabwe, which includes colonization, the struggle for independence, and post-independence development.

Size & Population

While the exact size of Ngundu is not specified, it serves as a vital hub within Chivi District. The population size is not explicitly mentioned, and further research or local authorities may provide more accurate figures.

Distance from Harare City Centre to Ngundu

The distance from Harare City Centre to Ngundu depends on the route you choose and can vary slightly. Here are a few options:

Shortest distance:

• Distance: Approximately 321 kilometers (200 miles) by car.
• Route: Follow Simon Mazorodze Rd/A4 until the turnoff for A10 towards Chiredzi. Take A10 until you reach Ngundu.
• Travel time: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.

Alternative route:

• Distance: Approximately 392 kilometers (244 miles) by car.
• Route: Follow Samora Machel Ave W/A5 until the turnoff for A9 towards Ngundu. Take A9 until it merges with A4, then follow A4 to Ngundu.
• Travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes.

Important note: These are just estimates, and the actual travel time can be affected by various factors such as traffic, weather, and road closures.

image credit: Travel Planner

Distance from Ngundu to Masvingo

The distance from Ngundu to Masvingo, Zimbabwe, also depends on the route you choose:

Shortest distance:

• Distance: Approximately 96.2 kilometers (60 miles) by car.
• Route: Follow the A9 road directly northwest towards Masvingo.
• Travel time: Roughly 1 hour 26 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Alternative route:

• Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) by car.
• Route: This option takes you on A4 towards the southwest until you reach the junction with A10, then turn northeast on A10 towards Masvingo.
• Travel time: Expect around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Also Read: Journey Through Matobo: A Deep Dive into Zimbabwe’s Scenic Wonder

Ngundu Town Council Contact Details

Unfortunately, readily available online resources do not mention the specific contact details of the Ngundu Town Council. However, here are some alternative avenues you can explore to try and reach them:

1. Chivi District Council Website:

As Ngundu falls under the Chivi District Council, their website might hold information about local authorities or a directory listing the Ngundu Town Council contact details. Here’s the link:

Chivi District Council Website: <invalid URL removed>

2. Ministry of Education:

Since Ngundu has primary and secondary schools, contacting the Ministry of Education’s Masvingo Provincial office might provide a lead. They could either offer the contact details directly or guide you towards the relevant local education authority who might have Ngundu Town Council information.

3. Local Zimbabwean Websites and Directories:

Websites like Zimpapers and Yellow Pages Zimbabwe occasionally list local government and business information. Searching for “Ngundu Town Council” or related keywords on these platforms might yield helpful results.

4. Visit Ngundu in Person:

If you happen to be in Ngundu physically, visiting the village offices or inquiring with local residents familiar with the administration could directly lead you to the Ngundu Town Council contact details.

5. Social Media:

While Ngundu Town Council’s official presence on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter is unconfirmed, searching for relevant pages or groups related to Ngundu might connect you with individuals who have the contact information you seek.

Schools in Ngundu

Ngundu is home to educational institutions such as Ngundu Govt Secondary School and Tokwane Ngundu Primary School.

1.Ngundu Govt Secondary School

Located in Ngundu town, Ngundu Govt Secondary School is a registered secondary school in Masvingo Province, offering education at the secondary school level. For inquiries, contact them at 036423.

2.Tokwane Ngundu Primary School

Situated in Bangala Turn Off Village 8 Ward 30, Masvingo District, Tokwane Ngundu is a registered primary school. For more information, interested parties can refer to the school’s official registration contacts.

Colleges and Universities in or Near Ngundu

Unfortunately, there are no colleges or universities located directly within Ngundu, Zimbabwe. However, several options are available within reasonable travel distances:

Masvingo:

• Great Zimbabwe University (GUZU): This public university is approximately 120 kilometers from Ngundu and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Gutu:

• Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU): This private university is roughly 80 kilometers from Ngundu and focuses on theological and Christian-based education.

Harare:

• University of Zimbabwe (UZ): The country’s oldest and largest university is approximately 320 kilometers from Ngundu but offers the most diverse range of programs across various fields.
• Harare Institute of Technology (HIT): Located closer to Harare than Ngundu but still a viable option, HIT focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Also Read: Discover Mbare: Unraveling the Essence of Zimbabwe’s Busy Town

Lodges in Ngundu

Ngundu offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors. Some of the lodges and motels in the surrounding areas include:

1. HUNGOIDZA HOTEL

   Physical Address:
   Ngundu, Zimbabwe

   Phone:
   +263 36 2304

Things to Do in Ngundu

Ngundu offers a range of activities for visitors, including exploring local markets, historical sites, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Specific details about activities are not available in the sources.

Trivia

While information about Ngundu isn’t as readily available as for larger towns, here are some interesting tidbits I could glean:

Historical Snippets:

• Age of the village: Unfortunately, there’s no documented information about Ngundu’s exact founding date. However, considering its traditional village setting and lack of historical records, it likely existed for generations, potentially even centuries.
• Possible origins: The name “Ngundu” might have originated from the Shona language, though its specific meaning or historical reference remains unclear. Consulting local elders or linguists could offer more insights.

References

1. Ngundu, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
2. Smuggler, police in 250km high-speed chase. 13 March 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
3. Dube, Mpho (20 August 2022). Former SANDF soldier detained in Zimbabwe for planning to commit robbery. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
4. Govt committed to agric sector revival: Hungwe. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
5. Ngundu Govt Secondary School Phone Contacts and Location
6. Tokwane Ngundu Primary School Location Contacts Zimbabwe
7. Hotels and Motels in Ngundu