adminTakemore Mazuruse
ZIMBABWE is blessed with a rich heritage, abundant natural resources and amazing scenery. However, political gamesmanship took centre stage over the past two decades.
Consequently, little attention was directed towards celebrating Zimbabwe’s God-given endowments.
On several occasions, Zimbabweans have had to be reminded of how blessed they are by strangers from around the globe. Outsiders stand in awe due to the country’s beauty.
An unheralded publisher has, therefore, taken it upon himself to celebrate the gem that is Zimbabwe through his publication, National Heritage Magazine.
An unassuming yet immensely talented writer and filmmaker, Tichaona “Prof” Marembo is determined to tell the Zimbabwean story.
“Heritage is a shared responsibility and Brand Zimbabwe ought to be our unifying factor. We must buttress our country’s image through telling our own stories in the midst of global disrespect. So in some way, this magazine also serves as a constant reminder to all that. Unless the lion learns how to write, tales of the forest will always be told by the hunter,” Marembo said.
The magazine, whose mandate is to preserve Zimbabwe’s heritage in its diversity for posterity and marketing heritage sites in order to enhance investment and tourism opportunities, has attracted the support of enterprises like Kurera Khulisa Development Group and Maverick Consolidated.
It has also forged strategic alliances with the industry’s key players, including the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Harare Polytechnic, Air Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Angel of Hope Foundation, Zimbabwe Youth in Tourism, Vitriol Security Operations, Milta Travel and Tours, Sky Classics Holdings, Esteem Communications, Amandla Brands and Forestry Commission, among others.
“I am greatly humbled by the support coming from local corporate players and parastatals. It is my hope that as work on the launch of the online version of the magazine begins, everything also takes shape for the print version of this important publication,” Marembo said.
The National Heritage Magazine promotional video skits and posts are currently generating a lot of public interest.
The publication comes at a time when the country is seeking to re-engage the international community and promote brand Zimbabwe.
So who is Tichaona Marembo?
Marembo is a former Child Parliamentarian for Hurungwe West Constituency (2007).
In 2009, he scooped accolades and recognition from Justice for Children Trust and the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in recognition of his participation in the second edition of the African Youth Initiative and Creativity Award (AYICA) in the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
“I am a media practitioner by profession and I am currently reading towards a Development Studies degree with the Midlands State University (Harare Campus).
“I have also written and published four books, including about the late former President Robert Mugabe’s biographies. They are entitled ‘Meeting Mugabe’ and ‘The Icon Robert Mugabe’.
“The latter has been reviewed by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, and has been authorised for use in Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary institutional libraries,” he said.
His third book — “Greatness on Call” — is a pictorial depiction of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s life.
Then “Elizabeth: The Making of an African Queen” is a motivational book. “I once came under the spotlight in 2014 when I produced a movie titled ‘Like Robert’ and presented it before the former President. The dramatic encounter was the main headline on ZTV during the evening news.”
It is hoped that his passion will help steer Heritage Magazine into a publication which speaks to the soul of Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter