Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
A Zimbabwean delegation is in Havana, Cuba, to sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the transfer of military equipment used in the iconic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale for display at the Museum of African Liberation in Harare.
The high-powered delegation is led by Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) chief executive officer Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi and includes Brigadier-General Million Ndlovu of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF). INSTAK is driving the ambitious Liberation City project — a 101-hectare Pan-African heritage complex under development in Zimbabwe’s capital.
Speaking ahead of the delegation’s departure, Ambassador Muzawazi hailed the gesture as a powerful act of solidarity from the Cuban people to Africa, one that would elevate the Museum of African Liberation to global standards.
“This is not just equipment — it is history embodied,” he said.
“The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale marked a turning point in Africa’s liberation journey, from Namibia’s independence to the fall of apartheid. By acquiring these real artefacts, the Museum becomes more than a gallery of information — it becomes a living monument of Africa’s struggle and triumph.”
The MoU will be formally signed between INSTAK and the Cuban Institute of Cultural Heritage, which is responsible for safeguarding Cuba’s cultural and historical legacy.
This milestone follows earlier engagements between the two nations: a formal invitation extended in 2022 by Special Envoy Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, and a subsequent technical visit to iron out details.
Cuba is the only non-African country that sent combat troops to fight apartheid forces on African soil. Its critical role in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (November 1987-March 1988), where Cuban forces fought alongside Angolan and Namibian freedom fighters, decisively turned the tide against apartheid South Africa and its allied rebel groups.
The battle is commemorated across the SADC region every March 23 as Southern Africa Liberation Day.
“The visit completes a diplomatic trilogy. We invited Cuba, worked through the technical details, and now we are cementing the partnership. It is a Pan-African triumph,” said Ambassador Muzawazi.
The Museum of African Liberation already houses artefacts from Cuba, including items officially handed over by Mr Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the Cuban National Assembly, during his visit on March 3, 2025.
The new additions will enhance the museum’s authenticity and narrative depth.
Though based in Zimbabwe, the museum’s mandate extends across the African continent, curating historical material from all countries that waged armed liberation struggles.
It also honours contributions from allies, both African and international, who supported those movements politically, militarily, diplomatically and morally.
Envisioned as a monumental tribute to the African continent’s long and heroic struggle against colonialism and apartheid, the Museum of African Liberation is not just a national pride project — it is a continental legacy in the making.
