Category: Zimbabwe

Runyararo

Salisbury

Runyararo, meaning ‘The Place of Peace’ was based in the native Zimbabwean township of Harari, Salisbury and was focused on helping native women and children. It was founded in 1947 by Barbara Tredgold (1905-?), an Anglican ‘missionary’, although had begun as early as 1946. Barbara was the sister of Sir Robert Tredgold, the then Chief Justice of Southern Rhodesia.

Barbara was instrumental in establishing Runyararo Hostel, the only shelter for young rural African women who had found employment in Salisbury. She was the leader of Runyararo Community. Apart from her primary role at Runyararo, she was also involved in a myriad of activities and projects aimed at women empowerment.

In December 1949, St Michael’s Mission was moved to Runyararo. The new St Michael’s Church was a present of Barbara’s young cousin, Diana Livingstone.

In 1952 the St Nicholas Nursery School began. The nursery school comprised of 200 children of working mothers. Barbara had other responsibilities at St. Michael’s parish that included helping in the church and mission activities, ‘particularly in training the Africans to take charge.’

Apart from St. Michael’s church, Barbara played a critical role in introducing the Red Cross Society to Harare Township. She was eventually granted an M.B.E. for her work.

Postal Services

No known postal services existed in the township. Mail is shown to have been managed by Salisbury.

References

• Profiles of Rhodesia’s Women 1976
• The Glory of the Tasks: Talks of Barbara Tedgold – Mazhero
• www.scielo.org.za

Contributors

• James Gavin

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