Matabeleland South Province
Matabeleland South | ||
|---|---|---|
Capital Gwanda | | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 54,172 km2 (20,916 sq mi) | |
| Population (2022 census) | ||
| • Total | 760,345 | |
| • Density | 14/km2 (36/sq mi) | |
| HDI (2018) | 0.537[1] low · 6th | |
Matabeleland South is a province in southwestern Zimbabwe. With a population of 683,893 as of the 2012 Zimbabwean census, it is the country's least populous province. After Matabeleland North, it is Zimbabwe's second-least densely populated province. Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North were established in 1974, when the original Matabeleland Province was bifurcated. The province is divided into six districts. Gwanda is the capital, and Beitbridge is the province's largest town. The name "Matabeleland" is derived from Ndebele, the province's largest ethnic group.
Matabeleland South is bordered by Bulawayo and Matabeleland North to the north,
Geography
The province sits on the edge of the
Towns and villages
Towns and villages in Matabeleland South include Antelope Mine, Beitbridge, Brunapeg, Colleen Bawn, Esigodini, Filabusi,Fort Rixon, Gwai, Gwanda, Kafusi, Kezi, Madlambudzi, Makhado, Maphisa, Masendu, Ndolwane, Plumtree, Shangani, Stanmore, Tshitshi, Bulu, West Nicholson, and Zezani.
Demographics
| Census | Population[2] |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 653,054 |
| 2012 | 683,893 |
| 2022 | 760,345 |
Government and politics
Provincial government
Matabeleland South is overseen by the
The current Minister of State for Matabeleland South Province is Abednico Ncube, a ZANU–PF member who was appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in December 2017.
Districts
Matabeleland South Province is divided into seven districts: Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwanda, Insiza, Mangwe, Matobo, and Umzingwane.
National politics
| Year | ZANU–PF | MDC / MDC–T |
|---|---|---|
2018
|
49.40% 107,008 | 41.69% 90,292 |
2013
|
51.88% 81,180 | 37.47% 58,633 |
2008
|
37.92% 46,155 | 28.66% 34,885 |
2002
|
43.68% 73,369 | 50.20% 84,322 |
1996
|
- | - |
1990
|
- | - |
| Sources:[3][4][5][6] | ||
Like each of Zimbabwe's ten provinces, Matabeleland South Province is represented in the
Matabeleland South is represented by 13 Members of Parliament in the
Economy
Its economy is largely centered around subsistence farming and livestock farming. Droughts and a lack of economic opportunities have resulted in widespread poverty and migration out of the province.
Transport
The province has an important geographical location which can link Botswana to Malawi or South Africa to south Zambia through Bulawayo, but due to lack of investment, the old transport hub of the late 20th century lost its familiarity and use with these two countries.
See also
- Matabele people
- Bulawayo
- Provinces of Zimbabwe
- Districts of Zimbabwe
References
- ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Zimbabwe: Administrative Division (Provinces and Districts) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "Updated: Final Zimbabwe Presidential, Parliamentary Election Results 2018". ZWNews. 2 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
- ^ "Matabeleland South Province : 2013 Harmonised Elections: Presidential Results" (PDF). Election Resource Centre. March 2017.
- ^ "2008 Presidential Election Results: Matabeleland South Province" (PDF). Election Resource Centre. March 2017.
- ^ "Presidential Election 2002 Results" (PDF). Election Resource Centre. 20 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Zimbabwe poll explained: Ballot papers galore, and loads of new politicians". News24. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
- ^ "Senators, women's quota, provincial council members". Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. 2 August 2018. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.