Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE preservation of heritage and promotion of cultural education has taken centre stage as stakeholders reflect on the role museums play in protecting the nation’s history and identity.
Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Museums Day, a day set aside to recognise the important role museums and heritage sites play in preserving history, promoting cultural identity and educating future generations.
The national commemorations were held at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, where school children from across the country participated in the National Heritage Education Quiz Competition, with Maphisa Primary School from Bulawayo emerging as the winner.
“As Maphisa Primary School, we are happy to have won this tough competition. It is an important platform for us as young pupils to learn about our culture and heritage,” Student from Maphisa, Nobuhle Phiri said.
“We had a great day focusing on our Museums and Monuments, which are key in teaching our children about our identity, and where we are going as the people of Zimbabwe,” Educator, Mrs Anna Phiri said.
“This day is important because it reminds us as communities that our heritage, culture and traditions must be protected and preserved. Museums and heritage sites keep the history of our people alive and help young generations understand where they come from and appreciate the values that define us as a nation. As traditional leaders, we have a responsibility to safeguard our cultural identity and ensure that indigenous knowledge is passed from one generation to another. Such commemorations also encourage communities to take pride in their heritage and participate in its preservation,” Chief Fortune Charumbira said.
The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, highlighted the importance of strengthening heritage preservation and cultural education.
“This year’s theme speaks directly to the realities of our time. In a world increasingly characterised by conflict, division, misinformation, and cultural disconnection, museums remain trusted public institutions that foster dialogue, mutual understanding, inclusion, and peace. Museums do not merely store artefacts. They preserve memory, safeguard identity, and strengthen national consciousness. At Great Zimbabwe, the “House of Stones”, we are reminded that heritage is not only about the past, but it is the foundation upon which we build our future,” he said.
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe says the day is an important platform for promoting heritage preservation.
“International Museums Day reminds us of the important role museums and heritage sites play in preserving our history, promoting culture and passing knowledge to future generations,” Board Chairperson of the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Professor Munyaradzi Manyanga said.
This year’s International Museums Day commemorations are being held under the theme: “Museums Uniting a Divided World.”
