West Nicholson
West Nicholson or Tshabezi is a village in the province of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. It is located about halfway between Zimbabwe's second largest city, Bulawayo, and the border town to South Africa, Beitbridge, along the main road and rail link to South Africa.
West Nicholson is named after Andy Nicholson, an early prospector who entered the country with the Pioneer Column and was responsible for mining exploration in the area.
According to the 1982 Population Census, the village had a population of 1,633. The town hosted a large beef factory, that turned the local cattle into corned beef and biltong, but this is now closed. Once a major gold mining area, the country around West Nicholson is riddled with small workings, the only major mining activity still occurs about four kilometers along the main road towards Bulawayo, the mine being called Jessie Mine owned by F.A. Stewart Pvt Ltd . There is a supermarket and butchery run by Rogers Brothers and Sons. Game and Safari activities are available at Tshabezi Safaris, Tamba, Sondelani and Tod's Guest House. Sporting activities are mainly based on soccer, having two teams namely, Jessie Mine F.C. and West Nicholson United playing in the Zimbabwe Football Association's lower divisions leagues. Other sporting activities include netball and volleyball with Jessie Mine and JZ Moyo High School taking part in the Matabeleland South Volleyball Association's leagues.
The Mzingwane River runs through the town and a railway runs past it, carrying passengers and cargo. There is a road that leads to a secondary school 12 km further on, the J.Z. Moyo Secondary School for Education with Production.
Education
JZ Moyo High School (Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo High School), is a government high school, for both girls and boys, that was established in 1982. It is located in the former Majoda Farm, approximately 12 km north of West Nicholson on the road to Filabusi and Mavako. JZ Moyo High is part of the ZIMFEP group of schools. The local primary school, West Nicholson Primary School, is located right inside the centre and is run by the Lutheran Church. Coordinates: 21°04′S 29°22′E / 21.067°S 29.367°E