The Sunday News
Faith Phiri, Sunday Life Reporter
THE National Museums and Monuments (NMMZ) is awaiting funding for the reconstruction of Old Bulawayo — a Ndebele cultural heritage site which was razed down by a veld fire in August 2010.
In an interview, the executive director for the NMMZ, Dr Godfrey Mahachi said they forwarded a request to Treasury for the release of money for the project but Government had so far not responded.
“We asked for money from Government but nothing has been released to us. We would have loved to sponsor the project from our own pockets but we haven’t put together something significant.”
Dr Mahachi said although they were not sure of when the reconstruction would begin, they were working flat out to ensure that they mobilise enough financial resources for the project.
At least $50 000 was needed five years ago when the site was razed to ashes by the fire but the figure has since risen to $100 000.
“We need to mobilise resources to start on the project. We are looking for funding from different institutions and international organisations,” said Dr Mahachi
He said the NMMZ have been working with the Khumalo family — the custodians of the shrine — and would continue involving them in any future developments regarding Old Bulawayo.
A spokesman for the Khumalo clan, Mr Prince Zwide kaLanga Khumalo, said as a family they were open to working with the NMMZ to restore the monument to its original state.
He said they were concerned that nothing had been done to rebuild the place.
“We are worried that it has taken so long to restore Old Bulawayo to its original state. As a family we are concerned because there are ceremonies that we would have wanted to be held at the place and the reconstruction will create a reality and revive the Ndebele people’s sense of self worth.”
He added that the responsibility lies with the NMMZ to facilitate dialogue and work out a way forward with the people on the ground.
“I have been actively involved in linking them (NMMZ) with the traditional leaders and other stakeholders so that the project becomes a reality,” said Mr Khumalo.
The NMMZ had also approached international organisations to partner in the project which envisages restoring Old Bulawayo to its original state.
The reconstruction of Old Bulawayo will entail rebuilding King Lobengula’s Palace, the wagon shed, the palisade and the eight beehive structures with special wattle from Manicaland while the grass to thatch the structures would be from Matopo.
The cultural and heritage site, located about 17 km outside Bulawayo, is of significant historical importance to the Ndebele people as it is the last known capital of King Lobengula.
Old Bulawayo was established by King Lobengula as his capital in 1870 after the death of his father King Mzilikazi in 1868. It was abandoned in 1881 due to colonial threats to his political power.
In 1990, NMMZ identified the site as a suitable educational and tourist centre and through consultations with the Khumalo family it was reconstructed in 1998 as a theme park.
