Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- The Zimbabwe government is deploying tourism officers at key Heritage and Cultural Monuments to provide seamless, informed, and welcoming access for visitors in an initiative designed to ensure a positive experience while protecting the nation’s heritage.

In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality said this in response to a recent incident involving travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada from Azerbaijan, who was recently barred from accessing the statue of legendary Shona spirit medium and anti-colonial heroine Mbuya Nehanda in the capital.

“The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality has noted with concern a circulating video involving travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada, who was reportedly restricted from accessing Mbuya Nehanda statue site in Harare. We wish to clarify that the Mbuya neHanda statue is a National Heritage Monument managed by the  Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. It stands as a proud symbol of Zimbabwe`s liberation history and identity. The site is subject to specific preservation and security protocols and as such, public access to certain areas including elevated and restricted zones may be limited for safety, preservation  and security reasons,” it said.

The Ministry said it was taking proactive steps to enhance tourist management at such sites.

“Through a Whole of Government Approach Strategy in coordination with our counterparts at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, we are in the process of deploying Tourism Officers at key heritage and cultural monuments. These officers will facilitate seamless, well informed and welcoming access for tourists, ensuring a positive experience while safeguarding our national heritage.

The expressed sincere apologies to Akhundzada for the inconvenience caused and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all tourists to Zimbabwe Heritage sites enjoy safe and memorable experiences.

New Ziana