Chusonji

Chusonji is a rural community located in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, situated approximately 45 kilometres north of the provincial capital, Kwekwe. The village lies near the eastern foothills of the Great Rift Valley and is surrounded by rolling grasslands that support mixed farming activities. The name Chusonji is derived from the Shona words “chuzu” meaning “road” and “nzwi” meaning “clear,” reflecting the village’s historical role as a crossroads for travelers between Kwekwe and the eastern districts.

The settlement was established in the late 19th century during the colonial era as a small trading post on the route used by miners and farmers. In the 1930s, the British South Africa Company built a mission station led by Reverend J. C. Van der Merwe, which remains a focal point of the community. The mission educated several generations of local youth and provided a stable Protestant presence in the area. Today, the Chusonji Mission continues to operate a primary school and a health clinic.

Census data from 2012 estimate Chusonji’s population at roughly 1,200 residents, predominantly of Shona ethnicity. The local economy relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, cattle rearing, and small-scale trading of agricultural produce such as maize, beans, and millet. In recent years, the community has seen modest growth due to the development of a nearby copper mine, which has provided employment opportunities and attracted a small number of migrant workers. Notable individuals from Chusonji include contemporary musician Tendai Marokane, who blends traditional Shona melodies with contemporary pop rhythms.