History of Harare Club

  1. Home
  2. About

A Company of Good Fellows

The Salisbury Club, now The Harare Club

"A Club Probably means something different to each member and each Club has its own personality: The Salisbury Club is no exception. Built-up over the years from 1893 by sound management by successive committees aided by diligent staff."
(G.M BETTS CHAIRMAN 1980 )

Before it was known as The Harare club, it was known as The Salisbury Club. At one time it was said in the 1920s and even 1930's that Rhodesia was run from the Salisbury Club. This may be something of an exaggeration but it is true that over the years many leading Government and outstanding local personalities were members and that is still true today.

After the Zimbabwean Independence, it was changed to The Harare Club

Club Chambers (left) and Clubhouse opened in 1961

The formal opening of the present Harare Club by Lord Malvern in 1961 gave Southern Africa, if not the whole continent, the best-equipped and most striking social club to be brought into use whether new or rebuilt, for many years. If one studies the history of the club of all the previous chairmen and members will show how closely the club has at all times been linked with the history of Zimbabwe. From an inaugural membership of 36 in 1893, the club had grown to a membership of 1 626 by 1979.

History can be seen not only in time but also at the Club House which is full of antique artifacts and paintings, one can even say you get transported back in time.

The Royal Family

Who has visited the Club and joined Members for dinner or drinks at the Members Bar

Prince Arthur
of

Connaught and Strathearn
1924

Princess Alexandra
of

Duchess of Fife
1924

Prince Edward
of

Wales
1925

Prince George

Duke of Kent
1934

It is not Too Bright

"But not every man was a proverbial ball of fire. The Club was to have some chairman who, estimable as they were, could be classified as "average citizens." " (C. Black, Member 1980)

The history of the club can never be told on one web page, it would require a whole book. In fact, there is a book by C. Black published in 1980, titled "SABLE: The Story of The Salisbury Club", It can be found in the club Library however the book and Library are only available to club members.

The club is over 125 years old and not only is it still standing but thriving. It has a diverse membership and continues to welcome new members.

The Harare Club, like many social executive clubs in Britain and all over the world, was formed solely as a social club, and while its status as the prestigious club in Zimbabwe has led inevitably to its becoming a sounding board for political undertones, it has avoided any link with political parties. Guided by successive Chairmen and reasonable intelligent committees, it has kept politics outside its four walls. Perhaps that answers the puzzle that faces all clubs - the secret of its success.