Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
ZIMBABWE’S commemoration of Munhumutapa Day marks a decisive step towards reclaiming the country’s pre-colonial history and placing African civilisation at the centre of national consciousness, the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) has said.
The institute said the new national observance offered Zimbabweans an opportunity to recognise the political, economic and social sophistication of African societies before colonialism, while drawing lessons from that heritage to shape the country’s future.
In a statement on Tuesday marking Munhumutapa Day and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday, INSTAK board chairperson Professor Simbi Mubako said the Munhumutapa legacy demonstrated that Africans had developed complex systems of governance, productive economies and extensive regional and international trading networks.
“Munhumutapa represents far more than a name from the distant past. It evokes the lived reality of African societies exercising political authority, organising complex systems of governance, developing productive economies and participating in extensive regional and international trade and relations,” he said.
Prof Mubako said this historical consciousness was essential to rebuilding an authentic understanding of Africa and its contribution to civilisation.
“Africa cannot fully understand its present or confidently shape its future without knowing, preserving and celebrating its own knowledge systems, heritage and historical achievements.
“Munhumutapa Day gives us an important opportunity to reconnect with that history and place African achievements firmly within our national consciousness.
“It is particularly fitting that this is happening at a time when Zimbabwe is investing in institutions dedicated to reclaiming and preserving the African story from an African perspective,” Prof Mubako said.
The institute also highlighted the Museum of African Liberation at Liberation City as a major component of the country’s efforts to preserve liberation and African history.
Government has accorded the museum National Project Status, with Prof Mubako crediting President Mnangagwa’s support for helping INSTAK advance the project.
“His Excellency the President’s encouragement of this undertaking has been important in enabling INSTAK to advance a project whose significance extends beyond Zimbabwe.
“The Museum of African Liberation is not only significant to Zimbabwe, but has a broader continental importance in preserving the African story.
” Its National Project Status demonstrates the importance Government attaches to safeguarding this heritage for future generations,” he said.
The institute said Munhumutapa Day should encourage young Zimbabweans to study the civilisations, institutions, innovations and personalities that shaped Africa before colonial rule.
Such historical knowledge, it said, should reinforce the national development philosophy encapsulated in the mantra: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”
Prof Mubako also extended birthday wishes to President Mnangagwa, wishing him good health and many more years of service to the nation.
