malvernmugadzikwa
Lissa Matasi
A LIFE-SIZE statue of the late former President, Cde Robert Mugabe, will be erected at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport soon, with the Government having commenced scouting for an artist to mould the proposed three-metre bronze effigy.
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) is managing curation of the statue and has since invited artists to submit miniature designs of their proposed work.
In an interview, NMMZ public relations officer Mr Philemon Chiripanyanga said the project is being funded by the Government.
“The Robert Gabriel Mugabe statue to be installed at the RG Mugabe International Airport was recently approved by Cabinet,” he said.
“It will be a life-size three-metre bronze statue. The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe has since made a call for artists’ expressions of interest to take up the project.
“The site of the statue is strategic since it welcomes every visitor into the country through that port of entry.”
He said the project was part of Government’s programme to pay homage to the country’s founding fathers.
“The project is an honour to a founding father, a man who gave his all, sacrificed and dedicated his life for the independence and unconditional sovereignty of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Chiripanyanga said after artists submit their expressions of interest, the authorities will evaluate their submissions by vetting their miniatures.
“A tendering process will follow and on award, the artwork will be commissioned and the artist will work under NMMZ supervision,” he said.
In 2017, the Government renamed the Harare International Airport the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in honour of the country’s founding leader.
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Bongani Ndlovu