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The celebrations are set to be held in the city from 14 to 18 May.Ironically, King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation, was the father of King Lobengula whose royal capital was
Bulawayo, hence the name “City of Kings.” Council normally charges a deposit of $50, which is refundable if all conditions are met, plus $2 per poster. The latest council report shows that the MDC-T dominated council turned down the National
Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) application for permission to put up posters in the central business district on 13 April.
“We kindly solicit for your assistance through granting us permission to display posters for the aforementioned event in the above stated strategic area, free of charge.
“The event will be held at the Natural History Museum Centenary Park and it will commence on 14 May, to end on 18 May 2012. We need to stick posters to advertise and make the Bulawayo community aware of this noble event in good time, the event is meant to benefit people in all spheres and across all facets of life in many ways,” read the application letter.
After the then acting Town Clerk, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, read the letter to councillors, they turned down the request.
They resolved that; “The request by Natural History Museum for free display of posters in the Central Business District during May 2012 be not acceded to in view of financial constraints.” An official at the museum directed questions to the director of the Natural History Museum Dr Moira Fitzpatrick who could not be reached for comment.
However, another official said they were not aware that council had turned down their application.
“As far as I know, they have not responded to our application. We are hearing it from you Press guys. If they did, I think it would be unfortunate because this is a national event that everyone in the country, especially Bulawayo, should be proud to be part of,” said the official.
Contacted for comment, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Thaba Moyo initially said maybe the request was turned down because councillors were not aware that the celebrations included the unveiling of King Mzilikazi’s statue.
He then said turning down the request was council’s way of sending a clear message to everyone that they should pay for services.
“What everyone should know from now on is that nothing that should be paid for will be given free of charge,” said Clr Moyo.
As part of the International Museum Week celebrations, the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe would be unveiling a new bust of King Mzilikazi.
The bust would be added to the permanent display in the Hall of Chiefs, which is also going to be renamed Hall of Kings to suit the status of the pre-colonial kings that are profiled in that gallery. Mzilikazi, meaning the great road, was a Southern African
King who founded the Ndebele Kingdom, also known as Mthwakazi. In his biography, David Livingstone referred to him as the second most impressive leader he encountered on the African continent.
Online Reporter