town, central Zimbabwe. Shurugwi was established in 1899 by the British South Africa Company and Willoughby's Consolidated Company. Its name was derived from a nearby bare oval granite hill that resembled the shape of a pigpen (selukwe) of the local Venda people. The town is the terminus of a branch rail line from Gweru (formerly Gwelo), 22 miles (35 km) to the north. Shurugwi is one of Zimbabwe's largest producers of chrome; base metals also are mined there. The town is a marketing centre for livestock, corn (maize), and tobacco. Its healthful climate and scenic location attract tourists and retired people. Pop. (2002 prelim.) 16,866.