I am a concerned individual, born and bred in the community of Mufakose. My plight is that I am very much vexed by the name of our community and would like it to be changed to a name that represents what we want to see in our community and for the generations to come. In a discussion over the issue of renaming with the Harare mayor, he raised certain questions to which I have attempted to answer in my capacity below:

 

Do you know where the name originated from?

Mufakose is the totem of the [Hwata] Shona people of central Zimbabwe who settled in the Mazoe valley in the early nineteenth century. Three brothers, murderers and killers Shayachimwe Mukombami, Nyakudya Chiweshe and Gutsa left their ancestral lands under Nyashanu in Buhera after committing a chipini (murder/crime), hence the name Mufakose, “death in all”. After settling down in the Harare-Mazoe area, Hwata Shayachimwe Mukombami abandoned his father's chidawo (praise name) after being afraid of being killed of Museyamwa, and adopted the praise name Mufakose. All descendants of Hwata dynasty are called Shava, Hwata Mufakose. Thus, this dynasty is just the same as the Mhofu Museyamwa.

My suburb is the constituency of the Parliament of Zimbabwe that encompasses that name “Mufakose” which was named after the Hwata dynasty. The modern Hwata people from Guruve are now living in the Diaspora including the Mundowa family (2011) and many others that can trace their lineage to Hwata Shayachimwe Mukombamwi. Muringayi clan now living in mhondoro under chief Nyamweda (shava mufakose) can also trace its origin from that dynasty.

The name therefore has a historical significance, as it traces back the origins of the people. None the less, there is a faulty in it as the three brothers were actually murderers and spent most of their time fleeing. The direct descendants of this dynasty are no longer in anyway a part of this community. The community has had cases of violence, crime, teen pregnancies, murders, and so on; which one can attach to the name and its faulty origin

 

Why do you think the name should be changed?

In complete appreciation of the background history of the name, I still believe this name should be changed. This is because,

1.      It literally means “death in all”.

Now being a spiritual person myself, that sounds more like a curse for me. Doom in all, beyond reproach! I have so many examples of people’s lives which seemingly represent this kind of pattern of death in their lives. No matter what they do, they cannot seem to make it in life: their finances, relationships, spirituality, social life, even their health, all experiences some kind of death.

2.   The name does not resonate with the upcoming youthful generation like me.

In my view, a community name should reflect the common ideologies that synchronies with the people of that community. Their history and heritage it shares should be reflected by the name. Now the name Mufakose does have a history of the area but most of those who can trace direct lineage to the dynasty are no longer a part of the suburb. The name also fails short of reflecting where the community is set to get. Instead what the whole name suggestion leads to hopelessness, discouragement as inscribed “death in all”.

These traits unfortunately lead to idleness, drug abuse, prostitution among other social-ills.

So Renaming in a large way reduces the social ills we are seeing in our community today as their hopes are rekindled.

       3.   The renaming is synonymous with most of the residence of the community; they are just unsure how to go about it.

Before writing this petition I carried out an informal research, found out that a number of churches and societal groups such as Mufakose Clean up Network among others actually denounced this name calling themselves names like, “Mukakose”. I too personally have refused the name to take effect in my life.

Therefore this renaming exercise is focused on the whole community as a whole. These various stakeholders, churches, businesses, individuals, and societal groups should all be involved in this renaming exercise.

 

The renaming exercise is costly

Indeed, the exercise will be costly both financially and engagement wise. None-the-less, as already mentioned the plea is synonymous with most entities within and without the community. Thus, with the help of the council the total cost should be quantified and known, and all the stakeholders can be engaged to help out in the best way they can to this cause.

 

What would you rather have as a name for the community?

There are a host of progressive names I can suggest for our beloved suburb, however it should involve everyone concerned and the name which is finally given to the community should be unanimously agreed upon by those engaged – individuals, businesses, and churches. Thus a commission of inquiry can be set up which goes out scouting possible names then the most likely are shortlisted. These then will be tabled and a form of vote elect the best progressive name which will be implemented.

 

The renaming exercise might not be priority for council

This might be true; however I would love for the reader to understand the importance and urgency of this exercise.

       1.   Unlike most council projects, this exercise involves more of the people in the community; hence the role of council will be that of facilitating and approving the process while the concerned people take part the more.

       2.   This process is actually overdue. I am aware there have been numerous attempts so far from my predecessors but, they did not yield to anything yet. However as shown above this exercise is important and should be carried out without further delay to achieve societal objectives of empowered youths, and sanity in the community.

 

To sum up, this petition has stressed on the importance of a renaming exercise for Mufakose community. It suggests the quantifying of the total cost of the exercise and engagement of all stakeholders in the community to take a part. It is with great concern that I write this petition an ask that responsible authorities for a favorable response.