Old Highfield House
- The Old Highfield House, located in Highfield, Harare, is a historically significant site in Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. Built during the colonial era, this house became a key meeting place for nationalist leaders and freedom fighters who were instrumental in the country’s liberation movement. It is most famously associated with Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s first Prime Minister and later President, who lived there during the early years of his political activism. Today, the Old Highfield House stands as a symbol of resistance and the fight for self-rule, drawing visitors interested in the country’s history.
- During the 1950s and 1960s, Highfield was one of the first townships in Harare (then Salisbury) to be designated for Black Africans under the colonial government’s segregation policies. The house, originally built as a residence for a colonial official, later became a safe space for nationalist leaders, including Joshua Nkomo, Ndabaningi Sithole, and Robert Mugabe, as they organized resistance against white minority rule. Meetings held in this house played a crucial role in the formation of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963, a political party that would later lead the liberation struggle against British rule.
- One of the most significant historical events linked to the Old Highfield House was Mugabe’s return from Ghana in the early 1960s and his involvement in the rising political movements. It was from here that he mobilized the masses, strategized against the Rhodesian regime, and delivered powerful speeches advocating for majority rule. The house became a focal point for political activism, secret meetings, and mobilization efforts. Despite constant surveillance and crackdowns by the colonial government, the resistance leaders continued their work, using the house as a headquarters for revolutionary activities.
- Today, Old Highfield House is recognized as a national heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into Zimbabwe’s liberation history. The house has been preserved in its original form, with historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that detail the struggle for independence. Visitors can explore rooms where crucial meetings took place and see exhibits on the liberation war, colonial oppression, and the rise of nationalist movements. The site is particularly popular among history enthusiasts, researchers, and school groups, as it provides a deep understanding of the courage and resilience of Zimbabwe’s independence fighters. Old Highfield House remains a powerful symbol of Zimbabwe’s journey to freedom and a reminder of the sacrifices made for the country’s independence in 1980.