NMMZ rebounds after board overhaul

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

THE National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe has recorded a major turnaround following the reconstitution of its board last year, with Government saying governance, accountability and stakeholder confidence have been restored.

Speaking at the institution’s inaugural annual general meeting in Harare yesterday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the entity has emerged stronger after a difficult first half of 2024.

“The first half of 2024 was difficult. The governance gap we experienced was a serious challenge,” he said.

“However, the reconstitution of the Board in May 2024 was a decisive turning point.

“I am pleased to note that with this new Board, full fiduciary oversight has been restored, accountability strengthened, and stakeholder confidence rebuilt.”

Minister Kazembe said the board was now operating in line with provisions of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act.

“The regularity of Board meetings and the activation of all committees, as detailed in your compliance report, are exactly what the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act requires,.”

Minister Kazembe commended the institution for its resilience and recovery.

Despite operating in a constrained economic environment and during the transition to the ZiG, the NMMZ maintained operations and delivered key outputs.

“These include the gazetting of 14 new national monuments, expanding Zimbabwe’s protected heritage estate.

“The successful completion of key Independence legacy projects at Dzapasi and Butcher Site, and the completion of the Nambya Community Museum, are lasting achievements,” Minister Kazembe said.

The institution also expanded heritage education programmes, reaching over 19 000 learners nationwide. Minister Kazembe said the Government was encouraged by the institution’s digital transformation.

Minister Kazembe said NMMZ generated ZiG57,99 million in revenue and contained expenditure to 74,88 percent of revenue, resulting in an operational surplus.

Board chairperson Professor Munyaradzi Manyanga said the inaugural AGM marked a milestone in strengthening transparency and accountability.