Esigodini

Esigodini, previously known as Essexvale, is a town in the Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe. It is the administrative centre for Umzingwane District, one of the seven administrative districts in Matabeleland South. It was originally an estate of Frederick Selous.[1]

Esigodini
Town
Coat of arms
Esigodini
Coordinates: 20°17′33″S 28°56′17″E
Country Zimbabwe
ProvinceMatabeleland South
DistrictUmzingwane
Elevation
1,182 m (3,878 ft)
Population
 (2012 Census)
 • Total2,228
Time zoneUTC+2 (CAT)

Location

Esigodini is situated approximately 44.5 kilometres (28 mi), by road, southeast of Bulawayo, the nearest large city and largest urban centre in the province.[2] The town sits along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road, approximately 82.5 kilometres (51 mi) northwest of the town of Gwanda.[3] The geographical coordinates of the town are:20°17'33.0"S, 28°56'17.0"E (Latitude:-20.292500; Longitude:28.938056).[4] Esigodini is located at an average elevation of 1,182 metres (3,878 ft), above mean sea level.[5]

Overview

Esigodini is the district capital of Umzingwane Rural District Council, which is responsible for running the affairs of the district.[6] The trading centre is surrounded by ranches and mixed farms. The surrounding communities also host gold and tungsten mines. The area as many rivers, although it suffers a long dry season and drought is common. Average annual rainfall is approximately 30 inches (762 mm).[1][6]

Population

According to the 1982 population census, Esigodini had a population of 1,492. The 2012 national population census and household survey enumerated 2,228 inhabitants in the town.[7]

History

The town was officially known as Essexvale until 1982, when the name changed to Esigodini. It was founded in 1894. Prior to the coming of European settlers, the surrounding area was settled by Rozi Moyo people, who had moved here from the area near Gwanda.[1]

Schools

Nearby schools include Falcon College, a renowned secondary school for boys and Mzingwane High School, recently a well-performing government school. Also nearby, is the Roman Catholic mission school known as Sacred Heart Girls School, a boarding secondary school. This school was founded in 2014 and is run by the Sisters Of The Precious Blood who fall under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bulawayo, and came mainly from Germany shortly after the second World War.[8]

See also

References
  1. Rhodesiana (1982). "Rhodesian Place Names: Esigodini, formerly Essexvale". Rhodesiana. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  2. Google (24 July 2020). "Road Distance Between Bulawayo and Esigodini" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  3. Google (23 July 2020). "Esigodini" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  4. Google (24 July 2020). "Location of Esigodini, Zimbabwe" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  5. Floodmap (24 July 2020). "Elevation of Esigodini, Zimbabwe". Floodmap.net. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  6. "About Umzingwane Rural District". Esigodini: Umzingwane District. 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  7. Citipedia (17 January 2012). "The Population of Esigodini, Zimbabwe". Citipedia.info. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  8. Prince Sunduzani (30 September 2017). "Sacred Heart Girls School A Rising Giant". The Chronicle (Zimbabwe). Bulawayo. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
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