Discover Kabwe: Mining History and Broken Hill

Kabwe combines a history as a town that began with the discovery of lead and zinc deposits, a fossil discovery in the mine, and political events at Mulungushi Rock. The former name Broken Hill also appears as the name of the hill reached by a hike. Historical dates and a view of the “lakes” in abandoned shafts give the trip different points of focus. You can consider Kabwe as a destination for local history while also deciding whether the hike fits your own plans.

From the Deposits to the Former Town Name

Kabwe was founded after lead and zinc deposits were discovered in 1902. The town was formerly called Broken Hill and was renamed in 1966. Between these dates is another specific milestone: in 1921, a fossil skull was found in the mine near Kabwe, known as Broken Hill Man or Rhodesian Man. This allows three different points of reference to be distinguished chronologically: the town’s founding in connection with the deposits, the discovery in the mine, and the later change of the town’s name. For anyone who prefers specific dates to general historical periods as a guide, 1902, 1921 and 1966 form a concise chronology.

Political Events at Mulungushi Rock

Mulungushi Rock of Authority is located in the vicinity of Kabwe. It was first used in 1958 for a rally of the Zambian African National Congress (ZANC); in 1960, the first conference of the newly founded UNIP was held there. Also in 1958, the Kaunda-Kapwepe breakaway group met at Mulungushi Rock; the United National Independence Party (UNIP) later emerged from it. The sequence is particularly useful for putting these events in context: the meeting of the group from which UNIP later emerged dates to 1958, while the first conference of the newly founded party took place in 1960.

It is also useful to distinguish the locations: the town’s founding, the skull discovery and the former name all relate to Kabwe itself; Mulungushi Rock is in the surrounding area. This makes it possible to distinguish the town’s history from that of the nearby political landmark.

Hiking to Broken Hill

A hike to Broken Hill offers a different perspective. From there, you can see “lakes” that formed over decades in abandoned mine shafts filled with rainwater. While the other points of interest are marked by dates, these bodies of water are the specific focal point of the hike. If you plan to take the route, check local conditions and access before your visit.

The Central Province in a Wider Context

In the wider context of the Central Province, Kafue National Park in Zambia extends across the North-Western, Central and Southern provinces. The paved M9, also known as Mongu Road, runs through the park. If you include the M9 in your travel plans, check road conditions locally before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Mulola, Mumbwa.

Go to the regional travel overview: Central Province.