Maphisa

Maphisa (formerly Antelope Mine) is the administrative and commercial centre of Matobo District, roughly 114 km south of Bulawayo and about 14 km south of Kezi; it was granted town status in June 2024. The area was part of the Ndebele kingdom founded by King Mzilikazi, and the settlement takes its name from Chief Maphisa Fuyana, a regimental head under the Ndebele state. A gold mine here operated from 1913 to 1919; the modern town was built up from the 1970s as an administrative centre and grew substantially after 2000 as artisanal and small-scale gold mining expanded in the district. The surrounding area is Ndebele-speaking cattle-ranching country and dry southern-Zimbabwe bushveld.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Bulawayo (BUQ), north via Kezi.

By Car / Road

Maphisa is roughly 114 km south of Bulawayo and about 14 km south of Kezi.

• Ndebele rural heritage: The area was part of the Ndebele kingdom founded by King Mzilikazi; the town's name honours Chief Maphisa Fuyana.
• Traditional homesteads and cattle-ranching country typical of Matobo District.

• Gwanda (north) — provincial capital.
• Kezi (about 14 km north) — gateway to southern Matobo.
• Matobo National Park (north) — rhino and rock art.