Nkayi, Zimbabwe
Nkayi is a district in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe and is located about 100 km west of Kwekwe and 168 km north-east of Bulawayo in Nkayi communal land. It is believed that its name originates from the Tonga word "Uyinkayi" meaning "where are you going". The main language spoken is Ndebele.
Politics
It has two constituencies and has produced some of Zimbabwes liberation war heroes like Roy reagen Yembeyembe Ndlovu of Mdengelele area the place has a poor road network where Ntubeni bus services dominate the route. It has been divided into two constituencies south and north the south being occupied by Zanu-PF sithembiso nyoni the north by the MDC led by Welshman Ncube. The former MP of the area was one of the most ever produced politicians in Matabaleland; Welshman Mabhena.
Nkayi has been neglected by the ruling regime on tribal grounds. It is underdeveloped with poor water and school facilities. There are several chiefs in the area including the popular Sikobokobo. Shangani River, which is one of the biggest rivers in Zimbabwe, covers the area. People from Mdengelele and Malinga use it for their livestock to drink and take water for consumption.
Education
It has one major popular boarding school Hlangabeza which is located near the district offices. Along its border with Gokwe, Nkayi has two schools; Tsheli primary and Tsheli high school.
There are two main primary schools near the local business centre; Dimpamiwa Primary School situated some 3 km along the Nkayi-Kwekwe highway and Nkayi Primary School which is also some 3 km along the Nkayi-Gwelutshena dust road.Zenka Mission Primary School is one of the best primary schools in the district,it is a feeder school to Mpumelelelo High School.It is run by the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.In 2004 the school won the Secretary"s Bell,a highest achievement in the country.Plans to build a local primary school are underway and await funding.
Civil society
Nkayi area has one of the best mission hospitals in the Matabeleland region Mbuma mission. A number of NGOs operate near Nkayi. Freestigma Africa Trust's Founder and Executive Director Sir Frera Washington submitted his organisation papers to the Nkayi local authority for permission to operate in the marginalised district. It has a powerful village which is Sabahwisa village under village leader Gayela and the chief is Madliwa.
Business
Nkayi central business district is divided into two main shopping centres, the Old business centre rather known as Nkayi Downstores dominated by local businessmen Mr Stanely Faranando and Mr Philani Moyo and Nkayi New Shopping centre dominated by Mr Ngqaba Sibanda and Mr Machingura.
The Old shopping centre's customers are mainly bus customers en route. Mr Philani Moyo operates a number of general dealers and butcheries whereas Mr S Faranando's restaurant is situated behind Malandu General dealer and an ecocash agent at his other outlet Maphikelela General dealer.
The New shopping centre on the other hand largely relies on the locals and has two major supermarkets operated by Mr Sibanda and Mr Machingura respectively. Nkayi has one local bakery which was formerly operated by Mr F Maundura but is now operated by Mr Machingura. The bakery supplies all outlets in and around Nkayi.
Thereis also Mpumelelo Business Centre in Mpande Ward 22.It is a mini growth point with several stores,bottle stores,a beer hall,veterinary service,cattle sale,agritex office and Zenka Rural Health Centre is situated in there.
Transportation
The road network is bad. Only Sihube bus service and Ntubeni bus service operate in the area. Accidents are common. In January 2012, Sihube bus overturned at the 23 km peg along Bulawayo-Nkayi Road.[1]