Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
THE immigration issues and repatriation of human remains taken during the colonial era were high on the agenda when the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Peter Vowels paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe at his offices in Harare this Thursday.
In an interview after a closed-door meeting with the Minister, the British Ambassador revealed ongoing deliberations to improve relations with Zimbabwe, adding that immigration and heritage issues were high on the agenda.
“We had the opportunity to talk about a range of issues that affect the UK-Zimbabwe relationship. But above all, we wanted to talk about how we are trying as the UK, and I think as the government of Zimbabwe, to improve our relationship, to work as genuine partners across a range of things.
“Obviously, home affairs and the UK government, we have things in common, things that are of common interest. And we talked about immigration and talked about human remains. I should just say on the human remains, this is something quite important for the UK government.
“This is part of us being more respectful, recognizing some of the difficulties of our colonial past, and wanting to address those challenges. And so actually, we’re prepared to do everything we can to make sure that we can facilitate the return to the families and put that issue to rest ,” he said.
Minister Kazembe confirmed plans are underway to repatriate 11 human remains of liberation war icons from the United Kingdom.
“Our remains are a critical issue, but we are glad they have pledged to work with us. You know the remains in the UK is a topical issue in this country, but we are happy that so far we are having good cooperation with the UK government we are working towards ensuring those remains are repatriated.
“We have a team that has been to the UK. So far, we have identified 11, but we are still working together, we are still communicating, and discussions are still ongoing. We feel there are more, but currently, we are focusing on the 11 that have been identified, and there are procedures to be followed, and those discussions are ongoing.”
Minister Kazembe commended the existing cordial relations between Zimbabwe and the UK, which the two governments are keen to develop further as part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement drive.
