Museum of African Liberation takes shape

Harare (New Ziana) –The site of the Museum of African Liberation will be renamed the Liberation City as it will host numerous other developments including a shopping mall, a hotel and an exhibition park, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Tuesday.
The museum, which is being constructed in Harare opposite Warren Park 1 high density suburb and near the National S[ports Stadium, is a continental project meant to document, preserve, protect and promote the continent’s liberation legacy.
The project is being spearheaded by the Institute of African Knowledge (Instak).
Speaking at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone at the site, President Mnangagwa invited investors in the tourism, hospitality and real estate sectors, from across Africa to partake in the landmark project.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this museum site, which spans 101 hectares, will be renamed the Liberation City. The City is envisaged to accommodate a host of facilities, including the museum itself, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Exhibition Park, a five-star hotel and a shopping mall, among other facilities,” he said.
“It is also pleasing that the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has indicated its investment in the shopping mall. The decision to call the shopping mall, the Liberation Mall is apt and encapsulates the spirit behind this project. I also exhort the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works together with City of Harare to consider renaming Golden Quarry Way, along where this Museum is located in a manner that resonates with the liberation of Africa.”
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa commended Instak for partnering the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in setting up the ZDF Heritage Monument at the museum.
He said the development served to immortalise the supreme sacrifices made by Africa’s gallant sons and daughters to liberate the continent.
“This monument by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Institute of African Knowledge also contributes to the realisation of Aspiration number 5 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063: ‘an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics,” he said.
“The construction of the wall of honour, which is part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Monument, is commended as it consists of names of Africa’s illustrious veterans of the liberation struggle. It takes into account the fact that Africa’s liberation struggle and freedom was a culmination of synergies, collaboration, cooperation and solidarity of various nations.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remained privileged to host the Museum of African Liberation.
He said the museum provided Africa space to collectively write and tell its liberation story from its own perspective while also enabling the continent to secure, preserve and promote its rich heritage, arts and culture.
He expressed gratitude to the families and foreign governments that have donated materials for the museum.
“To-date, various liberation heritage artifacts have been put on display. These include materials from the late National Hero, Cde General Josiah Magama Tongogara; Father Emmanuel Ribeiro; Cde Leopold ‘Takawira and late Vice President, Cde Dr. Simon Vengai Muzenda. In addition to these, we have received artifacts of our Founding Father and National Hero, Vice President, Cde Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, “Chibwe-chitedza”.
“Meanwhile, my Administration welcomes the commitment by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cde Cyril Ramaphosa and his Administration, to facilitate the repatriation of artifacts that were removed from Zimbabwe by the Smith regime. More artifacts are also expected from across Africa and beyond,” he said.
“To this end, I once again make the emphatic call for the return of the remains of our heroes including Chief Makoni, Chief Chinengundu Mashayamombe and Chief Chiwashira and other artifacts held hostage in foreign museums and private galleries.”
New Ziana