Bulawayo Coat of Arms
In the heart of Zimbabwe lies Bulawayo, a city with a long history. It proudly displays the Bulawayo coat of arms that symbolises its heritage and community spirit. An impressive 97% of its residents can spot the city’s coat of arms easily, showing how much they value their city.
Bulawayo Coat of Arms: Symbol of City Pride
The coat of arms is more than just a design. It’s a symbol that brings people together, celebrating the city’s diversity. Its detailed design and deep meaning make it a source of pride for everyone in Bulawayo. It goes beyond politics and social lines, uniting the community.
Unveiling the Bulawayo Coat of Arms
Bulawayo, the second city in Zimbabwe, is known as the “Bulawayo City of Kings”. This title reflects the city’s deep history and the spirit of its people. The Bulawayo Coat of Arms shows the city’s identity, symbolising civic pride and its rich past.
Bulawayo: The City of Kings
Bulawayo’s history goes back to the 19th century, when it was the Ndebele Kingdom’s capital. Its key location made it a centre for trade and commerce, earning it the “City of Kings” title. The coat of arms honours the city’s royal past and the leaders who shaped its future.
A Visual Embodiment of City Pride
The Bulawayo Coat of Arms is a detailed and intriguing design. Each part of the coat of arms carries deep meaning. The city insignia acts as a symbol of unity, boosting civic pride and appreciation for Bulawayo’s history.
Bulawayo Coat of Arms: A Historic Emblem
The Bulawayo Coat of Arms is a symbol that has stood the test of time. It proudly represents the city’s rich heritage. Designed in the early 20th century, it reflects the city’s vibrant history and hopes.
The coat of arms was officially designed in the year 1914. This was a key moment for Bulawayo’s growth. The council’s move to create this city iconography showed the city’s growing importance and its wish for a unique civic identity.
The design process was a team effort, involving local people and civic leaders. This led to a coat of arms that mixes traditional heraldic symbols with those that show what Bulawayo is about.
Features like the regal lion make the Bulawayo Coat of Arms a source of pride. It reminds the city’s people of its rich past and its ongoing commitment to progress.
Over the years, the Bulawayo Coat of Arms has stayed a treasured symbol. It shows the city’s resilience and spirit. Its lasting presence honours the vision and planning of the Bulawayo City Council when it was designed.
Symbolism and Significance
The Bulawayo Coat of Arms shows off the city’s deep history and values. It’s a visual key to understanding what Bulawayo means to its people.
Decoding the Elements
The shield in the Coat of Arms is a symbol of safety and power. It’s split into four parts, each with its own special meaning:
- The motto on the scroll is an Ndebele expression – Siye Phambili – which means “Let us go forward”.
- The Crest stylises the elephant for heraldic purposes. The elephant being the emblem used by Lobengula, the last King of the Matebele, in his royal seal.
- The shield is divided in two by a chevron.
- In the upper half on a background of red (to signify bloodshed) are three rock rabbits in gold. The rock rabbits or imbila is the totem (isibongo) of the Khumalo, the royal family of the Matabele. The imbila symbolizes the Matabele nation.
- In the lower half a cross is a Christian emblem specially selected and used in the arms to symbolise the European impact on the Matabele by the missionaries, the first settlers.
- On top of the shield, a regal crown marks Bulawayo as the heart of Zimbabwean royal power.
The symbolism in the Coat of Arms tells the story of the city’s diverse identity. It combines its industrial, cultural, and historical stories into a powerful symbol.
Preserving and Promoting City Iconography
The Bulawayo Coat of Arms is a symbol of pride for the city’s people. Local authorities are working hard to keep and share this important emblem. They aim to make it a key part of the community and beyond.
Raising Awareness and Appreciation
Education and public events are key to making people love the Bulawayo Coat of Arms. It’s shown at city events, in school, and on tours. This lets locals and visitors learn about its history and why it matters.
Working with artists and designers, the city puts the Coat of Arms on merchandise and displays. This makes people feel proud and helps spread the symbol. It shows the emblem as a key part of Bulawayo’s identity.
