Durban and Bulawayo Strengthen Their Cultural and Economic Ties Through Tourism and Collaboration

As cities across Africa look for new ways to boost tourism and build economic bridges, two familiar names — Durban and Bulawayo — are turning to their shared roots to chart an exciting future.

Their focus? Celebrating their common cultural heritage, creating stronger ties in arts, business, and tourism, and reconnecting through a rich, intertwined history.

A Decade-Long Partnership Enters a New Chapter

It’s been more than a decade since Durban’s eThekwini Municipality and Zimbabwe’s City of Bulawayo signed their official Twinning Charter back in 2011. Now, that partnership is taking on a fresh energy.

During this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), the City of Bulawayo extended a special invitation to eThekwini leaders to come join the celebrations — and to deepen their collaboration even further.

Speaking with The South African, Thulani Nzama, who heads up Business Support, Tourism, and Markets at eThekwini, made it clear that Durban is eager to roll up its sleeves.
“Our main goal is to forge strong business linkages between the two cities,” Nzama said.

“But we’re also looking closely at arts and culture.

These cities host very similar cultural events, and there’s so much that connects us — even the languages are closely linked.”

The Deep Roots That Connect Durban and Bulawayo

It’s not just about current events. Durban and Bulawayo share a history that stretches back generations, something Nzama highlighted with pride.

He explained that the founders of KwaBulawayo actually came from KwaZulu during the historic Mfecane period, a time of great migration and upheaval across southern Africa.
“Even though it was a time of conflict,” Nzama said, “if you step back, it was also about expanding the nation.

Today, that legacy lives on — the language, the culture, the spirit.”

The cities’ shared heritage is still visible through significant sites like the Battle of Isandlwana in South Africa and Mzilikazi’s grave in Zimbabwe

Nzama believes this history can be a real draw for tourists.
“If someone visits for a week, we can offer them three days in Durban and then fly them to Bulawayo for three more.

It’s about giving people a fuller, richer experience of our interconnected history.”

Building Cultural Bridges Beyond Business

The connection isn’t just about tourism dollars — it’s also about sharing knowledge and creativity.

Both cities see huge potential in linking up their artists, cultural institutions, and businesses.

With so many cultural similarities — from language (Ndebele and isiZulu are remarkably close) to traditions — there’s a natural synergy that’s ready to be tapped.

And according to Nzama, it’s this spirit of collaboration that will keep the Durban-Bulawayo relationship thriving for years to come.

Bulawayo Builds Ties With More South African Cities

Bulawayo isn’t just partnering with Durban. In 2012, they also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Africa’s Polokwane Municipality. That connection is flourishing, too.

Kholisani Moyo, Bulawayo’s Economic Development Officer, shared that the partnership has already sparked real-world success stories.
One standout example is the link between Bulawayo Polytechnic and the University of Venda, which has blossomed into joint research projects and academic conferences.
“This year, researchers from both countries presented papers at a major conference in Victoria Falls,” Moyo said.

“Next year, the event will move to South Africa.”

A Growing Network of Sister Cities

The collaborations between Bulawayo, Durban, and Polokwane show how “sister city” relationships can be so much more than symbolic.

They’re opening real doors — for trade, education, culture, and tourism.

As Nzama and Moyo made clear, these partnerships aren’t just about formal agreements.

They’re about finding common ground, sharing resources, and building a stronger, more connected African future.