Mazabuka


Mazabuka is a town in the Southern Province of Zambia. It is the capital of Mazabuka District, one of the thirteen administrative units in the Southern Province. The name Mazabuka originates from a Tonga local language word "Twazabuka" or "Kuzabuka" which means "To cross over the river". It is believed that the name was coined after the Tonga people crossed the Magoye River during their migrations.

Location

The town is located in Mazabuka District, in Zambia's  Southern Province. The town lies on the south east edge of the Kafue Flats wetland, along the
Lusaka–Livingstone Road. It is approximately, by road southwest of Lusaka, the national capital and largest city. The geographical coordinates of Mazabuka are:15°50'48.0"S, 27°44'51.0"E. Mazabuka sits at an average elevation of above mean sea level.

Overview

The town has grown around sugar cane plantations, and currently it hosts the headquarters of Zambia Sugar, the largest sugar-manufacturing company in Zambia, with annual output in excess of of crystalline sugar annually.

Population

In 1990, the city had 24,596 people. In 2000, the town's population was 47,148 people. During the 2010 national census and household population survey, the city had 71,700 inhabitants. The table below illustrates the same data in tabular format.
YearPopulation
199024,596
200047,148
201071,700

Transport

Mazabuka is also connected to Lusaka and Livingstone, by railway.

Education

is a private boarding school for children between 5 and 13 years old. Flamboyant School, is a school for children with disabilities and is located on the outskirts of the town. It is operated by the Mazabuka Association for the Disabled.

Healthcare

Mazabuka is home to Mazabuka Sugar Hospital for the management and staff of Zambia Sugar Plc and Mazabuka General Hospital for the general public.