Gill Honeyman, who very sadly left us too soon in 2024, was an extraordinary person who was completely passionate about the NTZ . The NTZ was delighted that, in 2009, she agreed to manage the Worlds View site and sit on the Executive Council. Gill was a super talented person and all her hard work and dedication led to so many innovative and unique improvements being undertaken at the site, so much so she transformed it and it became the leading tourism site in Nyanga and the most visited NTZ property in the country.
Gill was highly respected and admired by everyone that met her.
During the 20 years that Gill managed the site, as a volunteer, she worked extremely hard, her foresight was next to none and her passion for expanding the visitor experience on the hill was infectious. She would always have a project or two on the go. And her legacy shines brightly on today.
Gill Honeyman relaxing after a hard day’s work at Worlds View
Despite all of the challenges that the she faced including fires, tree cutting, soil erosion, gale force winds, invasion by exotics such as pine and wattle, hailstones and stray cattle Gill and her very dedicated team kept the site in immaculate condition. The picnic areas that she built are being enjoyed daily by very appreciative visitors as they sit in front of the magnificent scenery and the gardens that have something of interest growing at all times of year. Gill built a visitor’s centre by the front gate of the site and organised a series of changing interesting displays at the centre such as the story of the construction of the Connemara area and the flora and fauna of the locality.
Naturally the ‘Gill Honeyman’ art gallery is still attracting much interest and most visitors are surprised and impressed to find an art gallery on the top of a mountain making it the highest in the country. Gill formed an association with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Mutare branch) and held several successful exhibitions to promote Zimbabwean artists. The NGZ continued to allow her to exhibit their artists’ works and as a result, many sales were achieved on behalf of our young Zimbabwean artists.
Gill supported local carvers and sculptures and a Women’s carpet making enterprise by allowing them access to site and sell their hand made products. She created a relationship with the Froggy Farm and Kiosk in Juliasdale that resulted in them delivering a converted and refurbished horse box, known as the ‘Coffee Box’ where visitors could relax a welcome hot beverage and a delicious snack.
Over her time Gill hosted a great deal of visitors: international, regional and locally and Presidents including His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr, Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, His Excellency Surgangel Whipps Jr., of the Republic of Palau and delegations from various countries hosted by the President’s Office, including The Marshall Islands and Equatorial Guinea, and other high ranking dignitaries with grace and knowing exactly the correct protocol’s to observe. She hosted the local Chief Hata (Edward Chingamere) who shared fireside stories about his father, and his father before, had passed down the generations, of tribal battles and sieges, that took place along the Nyanga escarpment many years ago.
His Excellency the President, of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa signing the Visitor’s Book at World’s View
Afterwards His Excellency was presented with a carved stone Pangolin by Gill with the First Lady in attendance. His Excellency said that he was delighted to receive the sculpture which was hand crafted locally in Nyanga.
Left to right:
Mr Godfrey Koti: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Gill Honeyman: National Trust Council, His Excellency President of the Republic of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi, The First Lady and Mrs Oppah Muchinguri: Ministry of Defence
Her understanding of environmental issues was deep and she was committed to protecting not only the Worlds View site but also the greater Connemara area. She organised scientific surveys collecting various ecological data from the area in and around the NTZ Worlds View area to firstly act as a baseline, secondly to become an aid the management of the area and thirdly to create a database of ecological resources relevant to the Worlds View area for posterity. Gill personally, with courage and strength, challenged any negative incidents and developments in the fragile and unique basin area.
She ignited a special relationship with the famous Kirstenbosh Botanical Gardens in South Africa which led to them donating protea seedlings. Gill designed and made ‘The Protea Garden’ for the precious seedlings and over the years it became well established and is enjoyed by all the visitors: human and bird life at the site.
The Protea Garden was expanded by the creation of the ‘Helen Hyslop Kopje’ in memory of the late Mrs Helen Hyslop who was a Council member for more than 26 years, it nestles adjacent to the vibrant and highly colorful proteas.
Working alongside Mr Rob Burrett the Archeologist, Gill assisted in unearthing several archeological ruin sites on Mount Nyamutoro (World’s View Mountain) a short way up the scenic walk to the rear of the Sculptor’s Gazebo and other sites closer to the summit where there are other and more extensive ruins. Excited visitors today walk in the footsteps of their ancestors and see, touch and feel the cultural history in the stone. Her forward thinking resulted in an added attraction for visitors and proudly promotes Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
Gill created another magical spot at the hill: a wonderful bird hide which is very cleverly nestled into the natural cliff face. It is a very popular spot for those wishing for privacy and shelter from the natural elements, whilst taking in the spectacular scenery and the ever-present birds of prey
The Hide from the outside
The Hide from the inside
Gill’s drive and determination led to her to tirelessly support two other NTZ properties: the Historical Museum situated in Nyanga National Park and Murahwa’s Hill in Mutare. Nothing was too much trouble and she would assist with funding and supplying flora from her own home to Murawah’s Hill taking many journeys there and back. Her energy was boundless and she was a member of the Working Party for La Rochelle in Penhalonga and generously gave of her time and resources to support the property.
Gill very kindly hosted the 60th birthday of the NTZ on the hill with great aplomb, with beautiful protea flowers, a full programme, banners, hot food, drinks, speeches, presents, cake and the first public viewing of the NTZ 60th Birthday video, introducing all the NTZ Sites throughout Zimbabwe. It was well a very well attended function!
Gill was always very positive and modest about her role and work on the hill and her legacy; the jewel in Nyanga, will be experienced and cherished by many generations to come.
The last bed that Gill planted
The same bed some 9 months later
In July 2024 a special tribute to Gill, who was a very special person, was proudly hung in the ‘Gillian Honeyman Art Gallery’.
In addition to the tribute plaque a stone bench was built on the spot where Gill enjoyed hundreds of stunning worlds view sunsets, marveling at the changing colours of the evening sky.
Visitors relaxing and enjoying the ‘Gill Honeyman’ Bench
Their magnificent view!
Gill your Legacy shines brightly!
USE NUMBER: 0775 907 595