The City of Bulawayo is located on an area selected by the last of the local Matebele Kings, for his personal Kraal. Government House now stands on the actual site.
The name Bulawayo does not mean “the place of slaughter” as it is often said. The name, originally called ko Bulawayo, is generally interpreted as “I am he who is persecuted and rejected.” This refers to Lobengula's personal suffering during the civic conflict that accompanied his ascent to the throne.
