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Sifelani Tsiko–Innovations Editor
Scores of people thronged St Martins’ Anglican Church parish in Hatfield, Harare yesterday to mourn Professor Dawson Munjeri, an acclaimed heritage scholar who died on April 29 aged 75.
The eminent scholar who was Zimbabwe’s cultural ambassador to Unesco and an expert in heritage conservation and monitoring in many countries was accorded a State-assisted funeral and was laid to rest at Glen Forest Cemetery yesterday.
Prof Munjeri, who was hailed for his humility, integrity, love and commitment to the country, was known for his unflinching commitment to safeguarding culture and heritage in Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.
His peers said his death has left an indelible void in the cultural and heritage tapestry for Zimbabwe, Africa and the world. Family members, relatives, archaeologists, academics, students, admirers and other notable people attended the ceremony.
Former Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Washington Mbizvo thanked the Government for according his friend – Prof Munjeri, a State-assisted funeral.
“He was a deeply religious man and loved God. He loved his country in a very special way, promoting its cultural heritage profile,” he said.
“He did a lot to put Zimbabwe’s heritage sites on the World Heritage List. Prof Munjeri raised the country’s flag high in terms of promoting its culture and heritage.”
He hailed Prof Munjeri for the love he showed his children and other people.
“My father was a true patriot. He loved his country and wherever he went, he spoke highly about his country,” said Farai, son to the renowned heritage expert.
“In our home there was love. When we were growing up, we just felt the love. He showed us love in many special and small ways. My father taught me how to swim when I was four years. All this showed his love. He taught me a lot of things.”
Theresa, a daughter said: “My father was exceptional. He did a lot for us. He wanted the best for all of us.”
Prof Munyaradzi Manyanga – Bantu Mosaics Research Associate and Executive Dean of the School of Heritage and Education, Great Zimbabwe University said the death of Prof Munjeri was a huge blow to the heritage community in Zimbabwe, Africa and the world as a whole.
“His death is a huge blow not only to Zimbabwe but the whole world. Prof Munjeri had his footprints on most heritage matters here at home, in Africa and all over the world.”
He said the late heritage luminary was a great intellectual and repository of heritage knowledge.
“Prof Munjeri defined the decolonisation heritage practice we have now as a country. We have a leading decolonised heritage as a country and Zimbabwe is a role model for the world.
“He came at a very critical stage in 1983 when as a country we needed to rewrite our history. He championed efforts to rewrite this history, with African values and African perspectives.”
UNESCO chair on African Heritage and Great Zimbabwe University archaeologist Dr Thomas Thondhlana said the death of Prof Munjeri has left a huge void which will be difficult to fill.
“He has left a huge void. It’s not going to be easy to fill it. Most of the developments that have been happening in the heritage sector were due to his ideas and influence,” he said.
“We have lost a mentor who had a huge impact in the heritage sector. We all benefited from his selflessness.”
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ ) acting executive director Mr Paul Mpira hailed Prof Munjeri for playing an instrumental role in the listing of Zimbabwe’s heritage sites.
“He loved the Great Zimbabwe Monument so much that he played a major role in having it listed on the World Heritage List,” he said.
“He was knowledgeable person on heritage issues. He was responsible for the listing of the country’s numerous sites on the World Heritage List. Many of the milestones on culture and heritage in Zimbabwe, Africa and the world have his imprints.
Prof Munjeri is survived by four children — Theresa, Eugene, Kudzai, Farai and 10 grandchildren.
His wife, Margaret, passed away three years ago.
Online Reporter