Local Name: Round Table Harare 23
Association: Round Table Zimbabwe
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Table Number: 23
Current Status: Active
Charter Date: 1964
Overview
Round Table Harare 23 was originally chartered in 1964 under the name Salisbury Suburbs 23, during the era when Zimbabwe was still known as Rhodesia. Following the country’s independence in 1980 and the renaming of the capital city from Salisbury to Harare, the Table embraced its new identity as Harare 23. With a proud legacy spanning decades, the Table has played a significant role in promoting fellowship, leadership, and service among young men in the capital. Harare 23 continues to uphold the values of Round Table, providing a platform for personal growth and community engagement while honoring the traditions of those who came before.
Projects
Round Table Harare 23 runs several impactful initiatives each year, driven by fellowship and a deep commitment to service. Among these, three projects have grown into flagship efforts that not only raise significant funds but also foster community involvement and public visibility for the Table. These include the long-standing Jail and Bail, the high-energy Rock of the Ages music festival, and the athletic community series known as Trail Blazers. Each of these projects reflects the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines Harare 23.
Jail and Bail
Jail and Bail is Harare 23’s most iconic and widely recognized project. For over two decades, it has combined creativity, humour, and social good into a single event. Members of the public are “arrested” by tablers and brought before a mock court, where a fun and theatrical trial is held. “Bail” is then posted in the form of donations, which directly support Old Age Pensioners in Zimbabwe — a group severely impacted by economic instability. The event not only raises significant funds but also garners media attention and encourages wide community participation. It’s a brilliant fusion of awareness, fundraising, and entertainment, carried out in the unmistakable Tabling style
Full Article: Jail and Bail
Rock of the Ages
Rock of the Ages is a relatively new but already highly successful event launched by Harare 23. First held in 2024, it was conceived as a vibrant outdoor rock music festival held over three days. Styled with a rustic, barnyard feel, the event created an immersive and relaxed setting where attendees could enjoy great food, live rock performances, and a festive atmosphere. It struck a chord with young and old alike and is set to become a permanent fixture on the Table’s annual calendar. The overwhelming success of the inaugural event has inspired even more ambitious plans for future editions.
Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers is an ongoing fitness and community series that involves 17 to 20 events annually, centered around either trail running or mountain biking. These events encourage active lifestyles and community participation while raising funds and awareness for various causes supported by the Table. The Trail Blazers community has grown into a loyal and enthusiastic base of supporters, with each event offering a fresh challenge and a strong sense of camaraderie. More details and event updates are regularly shared via their Facebook page.
Services
Harare 23’s service work is deeply rooted in its commitment to the welfare of Old Age Pensioners. Guided by a philosophy of dignity, support, and sustainability, the Table allocates its project funds toward initiatives that make a direct and lasting impact. Core service areas include:
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- Medical Assistance: Harare 23 works closely with ZANE (Zimbabwe A National Emergency) to ensure elderly beneficiaries have access to essential medication. The Table provides funding that is disbursed through local pharmacies to cover prescriptions for pensioners in need.
- Power & Comfort Support: Harare 23 funds the installation of inverters and backup power systems for vulnerable pensioners. This is especially important for those with health conditions that require uninterrupted electricity.
- Emergency Relief: Throughout the year, the Table provides emergency assistance and seasonal support, including food and care packages designed to ease hardship and spread kindness.
Hamper Packing
A cornerstone of Harare 23’s service calendar is the Hamper Packing initiative, made possible through funds raised during the annual Jail and Bail event. Members compile a list of carefully selected essentials such as Weet-Bix, sweets, chocolate, toiletries, deodorant, cotton wool, and more. These items are purchased in bulk and packed into crates for distribution.
But the true power of the event lies in its spirit of fellowship. Members, their partners, and their children come together as one united Table to pack over 1000 hampers in a single day. The event culminates in a coordinated delivery to 22 pensioner homes across Zimbabwe.
Beyond the logistics and the numbers, Hamper Packing is a deeply moving and unifying experience. It reflects the very heart of Round Table values: family, service, humility, and shared purpose. Delivering these hampers by hand allows members to witness firsthand the impact of their efforts—an experience that is both humbling and profoundly rewarding.
International Recognition
RTI
2022–2023: RTI Service Project of the Year — Jail and Bail
2019–2020: RTI Service Project of the Year — Jail and Bail
AMI Region
2024–2025: AMI Club of the Year — Harare 23
Honor Medals
2023–2024: Grant Weare — Harare 23
2022–2023: Leejay Tavares — Harare 23
2021–2022: Richard Pio — Harare 23
2020–2021: Mark Wilson — Harare 23
History
Round Table Central Africa Era
Originally the club formed part of Round Table Central Africa where it got its number. The club logo was very similar to what it is nowadays, but featured the RTCA rondel in the middle. It consists of a Zulu shield with four spears.