Ndola's Mofu Tree ... known as "THE BIG TREE" ...

Dear All ...

We have just lost one of best known landmarks ...

After standing proudly dominant for well over 150 years, Ndola's 'Big Tree' — a Zambian National Monument — has sadly collapsed.  The collapse is thought to have been caused by the current heavy rains.  The tree was over 100 feet tall, and the surrounding bush — thick as it is in parts — all topped out where this wonderful Mofu tree started its first branches.   Situated on the Ndola-Kitwe road about 8 kilometres from Ndola, it was often incorrectly referred to as the 'Slave Tree' — a different tree which is situated in Ndola's Makoli Avenue.   The 'Big Tree' stood between both fingers of the dual carriageway, and obligingly fell between the two roads, causing no problems to traffic.  A concrete plinth on which a dedicated descriptive message in both English and Bemba was displayed, was severely damaged by the fall.  

A sad day for all who were privileged to pass it by ...