Story by Owen Mandovha
HARARE-THE construction of statues in honour of liberation struggle icons has been described as a powerful medium for preserving the country’s rich history and acknowledging the immense sacrifices made in the fight against colonial oppression.
Renowned sculptor and Alderman, Guy Mutasa, who designed the Mbuya Nehanda statue that now stands at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way in Harare, says immortalising national heroes through sculpture is a tradition embraced across the globe.
“All over the world, history is captured through these statues, and it is very important for us to do the same with our leaders, including Mbuya Nehanda, who contributed fearlessly to the liberation of our nation,” Mutasa said.
Alderman Mutasa visited the statue on Monday to clean and honour it as part of Africa Day commemorations, exactly three years after its official unveiling in 2021.
The visit underscored the continuing importance of recognising the legacy of liberation icons not only through words but through visible, lasting structures.
Alderman Mutasa is also the creator of the iconic Zimbabwe Bird sculpture that adorns the façade of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) building in Harare, completed in 1991.
His works have become national landmarks, symbolising the pride, spirit, and resilience of Zimbabwe’s people.
The statue of Mbuya Nehanda he revered spirit medium and resistance heroine of the First Chimurenga has become a focal point of national pride and reflection, particularly during national commemorations.
As Zimbabwe continues to revisit and celebrate its liberation heritage, the construction of statues remains a vital means of educating future generations and ensuring that the country’s journey to independence is never forgotten.
