Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NOMASHAWEKAZI “Lady Tshawe” Damasane has returned to Bulawayo, the city she affectionately calls “the home of art,” with a renewed sense of purpose and a vision shaped by a journey across the United States.
Her recent three-week pilgrimage was not one of leisure, but of learning — an immersive experience as a cultural ambassador under the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), supported by the US Department of State.
The programme focused on “Preserving and Showcasing Cultural Heritage,” a theme she describes as “close to my heart,” and it offered her a masterclass in the delicate art of safeguarding a nation’s story.
“For three weeks we visited different states and got to interact with various institutions and got to see how America’s Cultural Heritage is preserved. We explored the archaeological preservation methods, got to see preservation of living heritage as well as immersed ourselves in the numerous museums,” Lady Tshawe reflected, her voice still carrying the weight of the experience.
The journey sparked immediate inspiration and a sense of urgency for her home city.
“I saw numerous opportunities for collaboration but also opportunities to apply what I saw and learnt there, back home. We have a rich history to preserve and it is up to us to ensure that 20 years from now our culture and heritage is preserved for the generations to come. Oral preservation on its own is not enough, we have to adopt practices that safeguard our cultural heritage.”
Her return is not just marked by memories, but by a blueprint for action.
“Over the next few weeks will be unpacking the various thoughts inspired by the visit I made. All in all this was a good experience, one that I am grateful for.”
Central to the insights she gathered is the principle of community involvement. When asked what stood out most from her interactions with American institutions, she responded without hesitation.
“The preservation and showcasing of cultural heritage is most meaningful when connected to communities. We are telling stories about people and the very people whose stories we are telling need to be a part of it.”
This philosophy came to life during her visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico — a city whose story resonated with Bulawayo’s own.
“The city of Albuquerque in New Mexico stood out to me as we had similarities in our stories as cities,” she explained.
“They were preserving a route called Route 66, and I saw how they not only engaged the community but the buildings in telling the story of that particular heritage. Anyone who passes through that route sees mosaics and heritage trails that give a story of the town.”
The idea of embedding history into the urban landscape struck a chord, inspiring visions of Bulawayo’s streets whispering their own stories through art and curated trails.
The challenges faced by custodians of heritage, she discovered, are universal.
“Most challenges were those of funding,” she noted, recognising a familiar struggle in Bulawayo.
Yet, the IVLP experience offered more than just a diagnosis — it revealed solutions.
“However, we saw that collaboration and networking can play a vital role in eliminating most challenges. Involving communities is an integral solution as well.”
Her optimism is grounded in the potential for international cooperation.
“There are many avenues and opportunities for collaborations between ourselves and some of the cities I had the pleasure of visiting,” she said, suggesting that the seeds of future partnerships have already been planted.
Amid the serious discussions, there were moments of cultural surprise too.
“I think it was the food,” she laughed when asked about culture shock. “Almost all the food we tasted was sweet and if you are not used to sweetness it was overwhelming.”
Yet even in lighter moments, her reflections remained grounded in purpose. She drew parallels between Bulawayo and cities like Alabama, where urban decay and dilapidated buildings posed similar challenges.
“Every city has its own challenges and that is not foreign to the cities we visited in the US,” she observed. The difference, she emphasised, lies in the approach. “What is important to note is how they tackle said challenges.
I will repeat that engaging communities and having them at the heart of anything in the city is what enables the challenges to be tackled especially when it comes to preserving the cultural heritage of a particular space, cause and place.”
Lady Tshawe has returned to Bulawayo carrying more than just luggage — she brings with her the inspiration of Route 66’s storytelling mosaics, the conviction that communities are the true custodians of heritage, and practical strategies drawn from shared global experiences.
Her journey across America was not just a visit; it was a pilgrimage to the future of Bulawayo’s past. Now, as she begins to unpack the ideas and lessons gathered, the city awaits the weaving of these new threads into its own rich tapestry, ensuring that its heritage will echo not only in oral traditions but in its very streets and stones, for generations to come. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
