Zomba, 2019: Zomba, located in the Southern Region of Malawi, is by nature a historical city in the country. It was Malawi’s first capital city until 1975 when the capital was transferred to Lilongwe in the central region.

The city has so many heritage sites requiring protection and preservation. Cambridge English Dictionary defines heritage as, “features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings that were created in the past and still have historical importance.”

Realizing the pride, honour and rich history Zomba can bring to the current and future generation of Malawi and the world over, the city council intends to announce some portions as heritage zone.

 “Plans are there to maintain the history in Zomba. We are embarking on a process of declaring some parts of Zomba city as heritage zone like Mangasanya, parts of Colby barracks, but we have not yet computerized it,” reveals director of town planning and estates services, Fred Nankuyu.

The declaration will, in turn, give birth to numerous benefits to Zomba and all Malawi citizens including visiting foreigners as explained by one of Zomba, Matawale residents and a teacher at Malosa Secondary School, Mrs. Victoria Chinomba.

She says, “Declaring some parts of Zomba as heritage zone is definitely a very good idea since heritage zone represents our history in terms of politics, culture and identity. Students including visitors will be able to know where Zomba, as a city, is coming from and how it has transformed over the years. Above all, this, will add value to our city.

Individually, citizens will benefit a lot in terms of business growth because such declarations attract tourists who are potential customers for hotel, restaurant, taxi and kabanza (motor bikes) operators thereby improving our city’s and the country’s economy.”

Zomba has such hotels as Sunbird Ku Chawe, Splendor Hotel and Hotel Masongola, Anne’s and Zomba Forest Lodges among others.

According to 2018 Malawi Population and Housing Census Main Report. Malawi’s population is at 17,563,749 and Zomba city has 23,512 while Zomba district is at 167,958.