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Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Cde Oppah Muchinguri, says Government will soon introduce a new heritage law that will ensure that the country’s priceless heritage is not destroyed during the course of infrastructural development.
The minister made the announcement in a speech to officially open the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAP) biennial conference at the University of Zimbabwe last week.
Dr Machiveyi Mapuranga, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, read the speech on behalf of the minister.
Archaeologists from the Southern African region met to discuss issues affecting their profession as part of the festivities to celebrate the university’s 60th anniversary.
“The Government is aware that archaeological resources are non-renewable, once destroyed, they cannot be replaced.
“ I guess it is appropriate for me to mention to this very important and relevant audience that Zimbabwe is currently writing a new heritage law that will ensure that our priceless heritage is not destroyed during the course of infrastructural development,” read part of the Minister’s speech.
Cde Muchinguri made calls for the introduction of archaeology at secondary school level and in teacher training colleges.
“The subject only appears at university level.
“Before that students are not adequately exposed to this subject.
“As most of our secondary school students eventually end up in universities, it means the majority of our ordinary and sometimes
“Advanced Level graduates are not adequately aware of this subject.”
She noted that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is reviewing its curriculum to include heritage education from primary through to secondary education.
Online Reporter