Story by Oleen Ndori
ZIMBABWE is celebrating its rich cultural legacy through the inaugural Live and Visual Exhibition, a landmark event in Harare that blends art, history, and storytelling.
The exhibition offers an immersive journey through Zimbabwe’s past, highlighting the nation’s heritage, resilience, and aspirations for the future.
It brings together visual art, historical narratives, and cultural expression, creating a dynamic platform for preserving and sharing Zimbabwe’s national story.
Representing Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Professor Paul Mavima said the exhibition underscores the enduring importance of heritage in national development.
“This exhibition offers a powerful visual journey through our nation’s past, reminding us of the sacrifices, resilience, and vision that have shaped Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Our heritage is our foundation. It gives us direction, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Development without identity is incomplete.”
Professor Mavima said the initiative comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, emphasising that cultural preservation must remain central to national progress.
He also commended the National Archives of Zimbabwe and its partners for preserving and showcasing the country’s collective memory.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe, highlighted the exhibition’s educational and socio-economic significance.
“Unlike static records, this exhibition engages our senses and emotions, connecting generations and ensuring that traditions are not lost but continuously renewed,” she said.
She noted that such initiatives play a vital role in educating young people, strengthening national pride, and supporting the growth of the creative and cultural industries.
Zimbabwe has, in recent years, intensified efforts to preserve and reclaim its cultural heritage.
A notable milestone was the recent repatriation of the final batch of the iconic Zimbabwe Birds, which were taken during the colonial era, along with ancestral human remains.
The Live and Visual Exhibition stands as a powerful reflection of Zimbabwe’s historical journey, while inspiring a shared vision for the future rooted in identity, unity, and cultural pride.
