Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
CECIL John Rhodes Primary School from Midlands Province were crowned the national champions of the Heritage Quiz which was conducted during the International Museums Day Commemorations.
The school outshone teams from all the country’s ten provinces.
Speaking after their win, team captain Riley Ntakhomwa said the experience has been life-changing.
“We worked hard for this and to see our efforts pay off on a national stage feels amazing,” he said.
Another team member, Anashe Muziri, said participating in the quiz deepened her love for Zimbabwean history.
“We learnt about places we had never heard of and now we want to visit them. The win left me speechless, I am happy,” she said.
For Peter Moyo, another team member, the win symbolised more than just a trophy.
“It means our province can achieve great things when we support each other,” he said.
The school head, Mrs Joyful Mupinyuri, said the win came as a surprise but was well deserved.
“The prize caught us unaware. These children have worked so hard. Their dedication and discipline has been incredible. We are overjoyed and grateful,” she said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is committed to transforming Zimbabwe’s museums into vibrant, tech-driven spaces which increase access to national heritage and enhance the visitor experience, Minister Kazembe Kazembe has said.
Speaking through his deputy, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe, during the International Museum Day commemorations and the National Heritage Quiz Competition finals for primary schools held at Mutare Museum yesterday, Min Kazembe stressed the importance of modernizing museums in the face of rapid technological and societal shifts.
“In line with this year’s global theme, ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, we envision a future where museums in Zimbabwe embrace social media and various technological innovations to widen access to our heritage and improve visitor engagement.
“My Ministry will provide the necessary support to ensure that this transformation is achieved,” he said.
Min Kazembe said museums must not be viewed merely as institutions of preservation, but as active players in sustainable development and community engagement.
He noted that museums contribute to three key Sustainable Development Goals − decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
“Museums can create employment opportunities, foster creativity, drive innovation, and act as cultural hubs that promote inclusivity and resilience. Cultural heritage has proven its worth in creating green jobs and reducing poverty, making it a powerful enabler in the nation’s National Development Strategy 1,” he said.
Min Kazembe said to demonstrate its commitment, Government has embarked on constructing museums and interpretive centres across the country through the Independence Legacy Projects.
“Museums are important establishments in society as they transmit to the future generation those traditional aspects of our culture that are defined by humanity as beneficial and developmental. To this end, my Ministry has embarked on an ambitious programme of constructing museums and interpretive centres in every province,” he said.
He said as a result, the President and Cabinet designate places of historical significance in every province where Independence celebrations are held.
Min Kazembe highlighted new sites at Dzapasi in Buhera and the Butcher Site in Makoni and said these facilities were critical in supporting the country’s Heritage-Based Education Curriculum.
“Our widely distributed cultural and natural heritage places offer new sources of information for schools. We encourage schools to visit these centres as part of their learning journey,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who was represented by permanent secretary, Mr Abbiott Maronge, also addressed the gathering and expressed pride in Manicaland’s role as host of this year’s commemorations.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our vision in Manicaland, where we are committed to preserving our rich cultural landscapes and using education to nurture national identity and unity.
“Hosting the national finals here affirms the power of education in sustaining our collective memory and promoting intercultural dialogue among children,” said Min Mugadza.
He praised the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) for its efforts in community engagement and noted the province’s pride in local monuments such as Matendera, Tswina, and the Dzapasi Shrine.
