South Africa to repatriate last Zimbabwe Bird and human remains ahead of Independence Day

The South African government is on Tuesday set to preside over a historic handover ceremony for the repatriation of the last Zimbabwe soapstone bird — the Chapungu — along with ancestral human remains, in a significant gesture of cultural restoration ahead of Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations.

The ceremony, to be held at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town, follows a directive from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to return the artefact, marking a milestone in efforts to restore African heritage displaced during the colonial era.

The Chapungu, carved centuries ago at Great Zimbabwe, is among the iconic Zimbabwe Birds — revered symbols of a civilisation that flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries. The sculptures are widely regarded as sacred emblems of Zimbabwean identity, spirituality and sovereignty.

However, during the late 19th century, colonial plunder saw several of the birds removed from Zimbabwe, with some ending up in foreign collections. One of the artefacts was taken and later sold to Cecil John Rhodes, where it remained for decades.

Following Zimbabwe’s attainment of independence in 1980, the Government, through diplomatic engagement, secured the return of some of the birds. The latest repatriation marks the return of the last of the eight known sculptures — nearly 140 years after its removal.
South Africa Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said the return of the Zimbabwe Bird goes beyond the movement of a historical artefact, describing it as a step towards justice and healing.

“I have always believed that the soul of a nation lives in its heritage. When something sacred is taken from a people, a part of their story is taken with it. Returning these treasures is about restoring that story, restoring pride, and restoring dignity,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Bird remains a powerful national emblem, prominently featured on the country’s flag and coat of arms, symbolising resilience, unity and cultural pride.

The repatriation also underscores growing cooperation among African nations in addressing historical injustices linked to colonial-era dispossession. South Africa said the move reaffirms its commitment to working with other countries on the continent to ensure that African heritage is protected and returned to its rightful custodians.

The return of the Chapungu is expected to add significance to this year’s Independence Day commemorations, reinforcing national identity and the enduring importance of cultural heritage in Zimbabwe’s liberation narrative.