Cecil Rhodes
Cecil Rhodes
THE RHODES NYANGA HISTORICAL EXHIBITION
NYANGA, ZIMBABWE.
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The Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition, formally the Rhodes Museum is situated on land first purchased from the Chartered Company by G.D. Fotheringhame, in January 1893. Fotheringhame named the farm ‘Fruit Field’. In 1897, it was sold to Cecil John Rhodes, who lived in the original homestead whenever it was possible for him to spend time at Nyanga. Rhodes enjoyed entertaining guests, riding the foothills and climbing nearby mountains. Rhodes built a large stone barn to stable horses, with a harness room and store-room attached. The homestead was used by Rhodes until his death in 1902, at which time the Rhodes Nyanga Estate was bequeathed to the Nation. In 1917 the property was transferred to the BSA Company Administration.
In line with plans to develop the area as a tourist resort, the administration of the Rhodes Estate has since been given to the Department of National Parks, now Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority. In 1974 the National Trust acquired the right to use the original barn for the purpose of displaying exhibits of historical interest relating to Nyanga and its development. On this basis the RHODES MUSEUM was developed including relics from Rhodes’ farming enterprise and articles of local historical interest. Old maps, photographs, documents, household furniture and personal belonging were collected for display. Prehistoric artefacts uncovered when land in the area was cleared for development were also donated. The material was curated and put on display in line with the objectives of the National Trust. During the first decade of 2000 the general up-keep and appearance of the Museum deteriorated considerably because of a lack of interest and community engagement. As a result, in April 2011, the National Trust of Zimbabwe (NTZ) established an Nyanga Branch of the Trust. A committee of enthusiastic, local residents volunteered to upgrade the museum. New displays were planned and additional historical material was collected. Donations were sourced to revive the Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition as the Museum was now named. A generous donation from the Beit Trust facilitated the initial refurbishment of the buildings and allowed for a young Curator to be employed and trained. It is important to stress that it is administered by NTZ, a voluntary organisation, and is operated by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe. As such it receives no state assistance. Public support was, and still is, most encouraging. Many additional historical objects and valuable books and journals have since been donated or loaned from all over the country. The Exhibition broad view on the unique natural heritage and historical and culture of the area. As the collections and displays expanded, there was an urgent need for more space. The Committee decided to convert the barn loft, used originally for storing hay, and the harness room. Careful renovation followed, permission being sought from NTZ and National Parks, while the plans had to be passed by a registered Heritage Conservation Architect. In June 2012, Dr. Inez Grainger who had lived for some years in the Juliasdale area with her late husband, Col. Don Grainger, met with the NTZ Committee. Don Grainger was a renowned humanitarian, sportsman, military leader, and author (many may recall his school book, Don’t Die in the Bundu). Dr. Grainger was enthusiastic about the RNHE plans, suggesting that the NTZ apply to the Don Grainger Trust for funding for the construction work. In 2013 the old the harness room has since become the Don Grainger Reading and Research Room. Dr. Grainger donated valuable memorabilia in the form of medals and awards which are now on display, as well as historical papers and photos of Rhodesian Olympic swimming teams, etc. Dr. Grainger remains one of the most loyal supporters of RNHE. Later that year, Dr. Grainger discussed the project with the Australian Ambassador, Matthew Neuhaus. A successful application was made for further funding. The Australian Embassy, through their Direct Aid Programme, assisted with the renovation of the old loft and other internal fittings. The Official Opening of the Petheram Loft and the Don Grainger Reading Room was held in 2016. The kind assistance received from the Beit Trust, the Don Grainger Trust and Australian DAP will always be remembered with gratitude. Their contributions have created an important heritage centre in the heart of Nyanga. More recently, in line of heritage education programmes operating a various local schools, assistance has been given by the SOLON Foundation which supports educational projects in Southern Africa. The International National Trust Organisation (INTO) has also assisted with funding for Heritage projects. In 2015 our local educational project was awarded first place in an international competition run by the INTO. The landlord, National Parks, has assisted in building an ablution block for use by visitors, as well as a much needed wheel-chair ramp. Management of the nearby Rhodes Hotel has always been most supportive, providing free accommodation to the Curator, and absorbing the RNHE costs of lighting and water. Members of the Nyanga and District Garden Club replanted surrounding flowerbeds. The main body of the Exhibition remained similar to the original 1970s display, consisted of Rhodes’ personal furniture and photographs. To this has been added information, pictures and artefacts associated with the development of the Rhodes Nyanga Estate. Rhodes’ time line and other details of the man and his achievements are displayed. The original archaeological exhibit has been enlarged. Assistance from archaeologists Robert Soper and Rob Burrett was sought, while the Prehistory Society of Zimbabwe donated a large number of Professor Soper’s Nyanga booklets for distribution through the RNHE to local schools. The Exhibition now includes displays on early Manyika African culture, traditional leadership and local crafts and foods. The development of education, religion, fishing and tourism is set out using pictures and documentation. Short family histories of some well-known Nyanga pioneers, such as the Moodie family, are displayed. Following requests from teachers accompanying groups of school children, a balanced, non-political, Time Line from the earliest known inhabitants of the country to the events of the year 2000 was created through the combined efforts of the local committee members and local teachers. In the Petheram Loft several new displays can be seen. A typical late 1800 toearly1900 homestead takes up most of the eastern side of the Loft. It includes diverse historical, antique objects and memorabilia. The History of Pharmacyin this country is traced through a collection of historic pictures and medical memorabilia donated by the Lancasters, a Nyanga family whose ancestors established some of the earliest pharmacies in the country. A related, section on herbal and traditional medicine is planned. The History of the Women’s Institute and Home-craft Clubs gives an inkling of the diverse work that the organisation achieved through the years, by women of all races in this country. A generous donation from the National Federation of WIs of Zimbabwe went towards cabinets and display boards. The old Wagon Shed currently houses a temporary exhibition of early Shona sculptures by the local artists, Jonathan Matimba (1940-2013). A 1930 ox-wagon and 1900 buggy are great attractions, as is the steam engine which came up from South Africa in 1904. Old farm machinery such as a rotorvator, planter and Martin Ditcher interest many a curious visitor. Can you help the Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition?The RNHE, while appreciated by many visitors, is reliant on voluntary contributions, funds, time and occasional donations. Its running costs are generated from the entry fees paid by visitors and a small amount from commission on articles and booklets sold in the Museum Shop. In normal times, the number of visitors fluctuates enormously, depending on public holidays and school terms. However, currently we are in crisis. With the present tourism downturn thanks to the Covid crisis, there are very few visitors. In January 2021 not a single visitor arrived. Gone is the steady stream of children who arrived on buses from schools from across all provinces of the country. The recently introduced Heritage Education curriculum in Zimbabwe schools actively encourages teachers to organise field trips to areas such as ours.In the absence of visitors, the Curator continues to be present, ensuring the cleanliness of the building and displays and providing necessary security. At present funds for his salary are being borrowed or paid for personally by the RNHE chairman or provided, with difficulty, by the national body of the NTZ. Unfortunately the amount he is receiving is far below his value and requirements. We really fear the day we loose him as he has been a dedicated curator who has kept the project going. If he cannot receive a living allowance it is very probable that the RNHE will have to close, depriving Nyanga of its only heritage centre and losing sight of Rhodes’ heritage. . The buildings housing the RNHE are leased by the NTZ from the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority. An annual rent has to be paid to the Authority, not withstanding the fact that there have been few visitors. It has not been possible to pay the rent for some years and it is feared that Parks may soon cancel the lease. Donations are gratefully accepted from anyone who has an interest in preserving the Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition. Donations can be sent to:_CABS (Head Office) National Trust of Zimbabwe NOSTRO Account No 1129891976 
Marshall Nyanhanda, Curator Rhodes Nyanga Museum of the National Trust of Zimbabwe Email: nyanhandamarshall@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rhodes-Nyanga-Historical-Exhibition-509033062607766/ Phone Number: +263775960221 Some related links:1. National Trust of Zimbabwe -> Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition (Rhodes Museum)2. ZimFieldNGuide.com -> Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition (Rhodes Museum) 3. Rhodes Nyanga Hotel - a good compliment to the Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition (Rhodes Museum) |