Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, has received the last of the Zimbabwe Birds, a priceless national artefact taken from the country during the colonial era.
The return marks a historic and emotional moment for Zimbabwe, bringing closure to a chapter that stretches back more than a century.
The Zimbabwe Bird, a powerful symbol of the nation’s heritage and identity, is among the ancestral artefacts that were removed during colonial rule and have now been repatriated.
The artefact, along with eight ancestral human remains, was repatriated from South Africa after high-level engagements between President Mnangagwa and his counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The sacred soapstone birds, symbolic of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, were taken from the Great Zimbabwe civilisation during colonial plunder more than 100 years ago.
The repatriation comes at a poignant time, just days before the nation commemorates 46 years of independence, adding deeper meaning to the celebrations.
President Dr Mnangagwa says the return of the artefact and ancestral remains signifies a restoration of dignity, identity, and historical justice.
“This is a historic development which will be etched in the rich history of our country. It is opportune that this ceremony is occurring a few days before the 46th Independence Day Anniversary. Profound joy and triumphant closure envelope the nation, as we welcome home our ancestral relics consisting of the Chapungu, ‘being the eighth and last soapstone great Zimbabwe Bird’. For far too long, this vital piece of our national soul, and dignity resided in a foreign land, a salient testament to the colonial plunder that sought to strip us of our identity.
“Our calls for justice have echoed through generations and today, the answer has come. On behalf of our revolutionary mass Party, ZANU PF, the Government and people of Zimbabwe, I extend our nation’s profound gratitude to my dear brother, His Excellency, President Ramaphosa, the African National Congress (ANC) as well as the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa for their noble assistance. Your cooperation in the repatriation of the Zimbabwe bird demonstrates the power of Pan-African solidarity, revolutionary unity and our shared commitment to justice and restitution,” he said.
He said his government will continue to ensure that the country’s rich heritage is returned home free from hostage in foreign museums and private galleries.
“My Government will continue to ensure that Zimbabwe’s rich heritage is freed from the hostage in foreign museums, public spaces and private galleries. Our forebearers did not merely carve these birds as decorations. They are sacred and represent the bateleur eagle, Chapungu, which had deep spiritual significance. They are the physical embodiments of the various spiritual beliefs within our communities. The Zimbabwe Bird is a central symbol that adorns our flag, coat of arms, and ZiG currency. To have all eight Bird artefacts reunited is a political victory; and cultural homecoming. It is a powerful recognition that our heritage belongs here, at the Great Zimbabwe, Dzimba-dzemabwe, where it can inspire future generations and serve as a cornerstone of our national identity,” President Dr Mnangagwa said.
The Head of State called on the National Museums and Monuments to preserve the rich history of the country.
“I exhort the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, to ensure that the sacred bird artefacts are appropriately conserved and protected at the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the site of their origin and heart of our country’s ancient civilisation, under the Munhumutapa Empire. Let the people of Zimbabwe come and witness their heritage. Let the children of this great nation see with their own eyes the symbol of their identity. And let the world know that Zimbabwe is a nation that respects it is past and celebrates the present as we build a prosperous future in unity, peace and dignity,” he said.
As Zimbabwe prepares to mark 46 years of independence, the return of this iconic artefact and the ancestral remains not only reconnects the nation with its past but also reinforces the enduring ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The Zimbabwe Bird is expected to be preserved as part of the country’s national heritage, standing as a lasting symbol of resilience and cultural pride.
