Heritage preservation key to Vision 2030: VP Mohadi

VICE-PRESIDENT, Kembo Mohadi, has reiterated Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve the country’s liberation heritage, strengthen research and promote cultural diplomacy while celebrating African civilisation.

As part of efforts to build an informed citizenry capable of driving national development, he said the country’s development aspirations under the Second Republic require citizens who understand their history, identity and national values.

VP Mohadi was speaking at the Institute of African Knowledge’s 10th anniversary celebrations held at the Museum of African Liberation in Harare yesterday under the theme: “Celebrating a decade of advancing African knowledge, heritage and liberation”.

He said the Second Republic’s Vision 2030 was associated with economic modernisation and industrial transformation.

“Such development must be underpinned by a citizenry that understands who they are, where they come from and where they are going.

“For this reason, Government has consistently supported initiatives that preserve our liberation heritage, strengthen research, promote cultural diplomacy and celebrate African civilisation,” said VP Mohadi.

He commended the growing partnership between Government and Instak, describing it as a successful example of collaboration among the State, private institutions, academia and development partners in pursuit of national goals.

“The collaboration stands as an excellent example of what can be achieved when Government, private institutions, academia and development partners work together in pursuit of a common national vision,” said VP Mohadi.

Institutions such as Instak, he added, play a critical role in safeguarding the country’s liberation history and ensuring that future generations remain grounded in the values that shaped Zimbabwe’s independence.

One of the enduring lessons of the country’s liberation struggle is that freedom must be defended by strong institutions that preserve memory, nurture leadership, and sustain national values across generations.

“As we celebrate Instak’s first decade, we are reminded that such institutions play an indispensable role in ensuring that the sacrifices of the liberation struggle continue to inspire Africa’s future,” said VP Mohadi.

He also said the achievements recorded by Instak over the past decade demonstrate what can be accomplished when vision is guided by purpose, strong leadership and alignment with national priorities.

Reflecting on Africa’s historical experience, VP Mohadi said the continent endured political domination, economic exploitation and the erosion of its knowledge systems, historical memory and cultural confidence.

“Our civilisations were misrepresented, our achievements overlooked, and our voices marginalised,” he said.

“Our liberation movements corrected political injustice and we won our independence through blood, sweat and tears; but another struggle remained unfinished — the struggle for intellectual sovereignty and, of course, economic independence.

“It’s this historical responsibility that institutions such as Instak have embraced. This explains why the Government of Zimbabwe, under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who is himself one of the heroes of our struggle for independence, regards the advancement of knowledge, culture and heritage as strategic pillars of national development.”

VP Mohadi said the increasing attention demonstrated the country’s ability to establish institutions of genuine continental significance.

He described the museum as more than an architectural landmark, saying it would serve as a repository of Africa’s collective memory and preserve the history of liberation movements across the continent for future generations.

“The Government is proud to support this initiative because it reflects values that have always guided our foreign policy—Pan-African solidarity, regional cooperation and respect for the sacrifices made by those who fought for Africa’s freedom,” he said.

VP Mohadi said the Liberation City project would also play an important role in the country’s preparations to host the 2027 African union Mid-Year Coordination Summit by showcasing Zimbabwe’s heritage, tourism potential and investment opportunities.

He said Instak is not merely supporting the national development agenda, but it is also contributing directly to regional integration within SADC and to the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Looking ahead, VP Mohadi said Instak’s next decade should focus on consolidating its gains, expanding its reach and deepening its impact through research, education and strategic partnerships.

He said the institution should continue producing research that informs public policy, strengthen educational programmes that instill pride and confidence among young people, and broaden partnerships across Africa and beyond.

The VP encouraged Africans to remain committed to advancing knowledge, preserving heritage and safeguarding the ideals of liberation for future generations.

The celebrations were attended by diplomats from several countries, including Palestine’s Dr Tamer Almassri, senior Government officials and other stakeholders.