Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Government has assured the public and international visitors that the Mbuya Nehanda statue at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way in Harare will soon be fully accessible as authorities implement plans to deploy dedicated tourism officers at key national heritage sites.
The clarification follows public concerns raised by a viral video featuring international travel vlogger, Davud Akhundzada, who was restricted from certain areas of the Mbuya Nehanda statue site.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry expressed its apologies, noting that while the statue remains under strict preservation and security protocols, a new access framework is being established to facilitate public viewing.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has noted with concern the circulating video involving travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada, who was reportedly restricted from accessing the Mbuya Nehanda statue site in Harare,” the statement read.
“We wish to clarify that the Mbuya Nehanda Statue is a National Heritage Monument managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. It stands as a proud symbol of Zimbabwe’s liberation history and identity.”
The Ministry added that certain areas of the site, including elevated or restricted zones, may have limited public access for safety, preservation, and security reasons.
However, proactive measures are being taken to enhance tourist management at the site.
“Through a Whole-of-Government Approach Strategy, in coordination with our counterparts at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, we are deploying tourism officers at key heritage and cultural monuments,” the Ministry said.
“These officers will facilitate seamless, well-informed, and welcoming access for tourists, ensuring a positive experience while safeguarding our National Heritage.”
The Ministry also directly apologised to the travel vlogger, clarifying that the national monument is subject to specific access rules.
“We sincerely apologise to Mr Davud Akhundzada for the inconvenience caused and remain committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting Zimbabwe’s heritage sites enjoy safe and memorable experiences.”
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, also revealed plans to make the Mbuya Nehanda statue accessible to tourists through a post on his X account.
“To enable safe public viewing of the Mbuya Nehanda statue while protecting this iconic monument, the Government is creating a new access framework,” he said.
“The President has instructed that this be implemented as soon as possible. We apologise to the public for the delayed access.”
Mbuya Nehanda was a powerful spirit medium and heroine of the First Chimurenga war against British colonial settlers in the 1890s.
In a befitting honour, Zimbabwe marked Africa Day in 2021 by unveiling the statue of 19th century warrior woman and anti-colonialist — Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, who was commonly known as Mbuya Nehanda.
Peter Tanyanyiwa