The Harare City Council has officially renamed several major roads across the capital in a move aimed at honoring national heroes, reflecting cultural heritage, and aligning with post-independence identity efforts.
The renaming exercise, which was announced following a council resolution, includes some of the city’s most prominent thoroughfares. Roads formerly bearing colonial-era or generic names have been replaced with names of liberation war icons, traditional leaders, and figures regarded as significant to Zimbabwe’s history and development.
Council officials described the move as part of a broader strategy to decolonize the city’s landscape and promote national pride. According to city representatives, the changes also reflect feedback from residents and stakeholders who have long called for street names that resonate more deeply with the Zimbabwean identity.
The newly renamed roads will soon see updated signage and mapping adjustments. The council has also initiated a public awareness campaign to help residents, commuters, and businesses adapt to the changes. Emergency services and logistics operators are being engaged to ensure minimal disruption to transportation, postal services, and deliveries.
While the initiative has been welcomed by some as a long-overdue move to assert Zimbabwe’s heritage, others have raised concerns about potential confusion and the cost implications of the transition. However, city authorities maintain that the long-term cultural value outweighs short-term challenges.
The renaming process is expected to continue in phases, with additional streets and public spaces under review in the coming months.
