$50 000 needed to reconstruct King Lobengula's capital

THE National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) requires at least $50 000 for the reconstruction of Old Bulawayo, amid revelations that the organisation has also plans to spruce up other sites of historical significance in the country such as Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins.

Old Bulawayo was King Lobengula's capital that was built in 1870 and is situated 17 kilometres from present day Bulawayo. It was destroyed by a veld fire in August 2010 and little was done to reconstruct it due to lack of funds.

In an interview with Sunday News, NMMZ director, Dr Godfrey Mahachi, said they were working flat out to ensure that they secure funding to rebuild the site as its current state was not conducive, considering its historical significance.

"It is unfortunate that nothing has been done for the reconstruction of the site since it was burnt down in 2010. Therefore, we really need to secure funding for the project, which to date we are estimating at around $50 000.

"Initially we had aimed to start the reconstruction before the hosting of the UNWTO but it is unfortunate that we failed to acquire the funds but we will not give up in this endeavour knowing the importance of such sites in our heritage," said Dr Mahachi.

He revealed that some of the reconstruction work would include the construction of King Lobengula's Palace, the wagon shed, the palisade and the eight beehive structures with wattle being brought in from Manicaland and the grass to thatch from Matopo.

"We have already assembled a team to work on the components of the construction work; it is our wish that we move forward with this project as soon as possible.

"It is our hope that we also construct an exhibition centre but the main hindrance is lack of financial resources, which naturally will determine the amount of work we will do at the site," said the director.
Dr Mahachi also revealed that they were working on sprucing up Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins.

"We are also working on the walls of Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins that are usually prone to agents of weather especially during the rain season," he said.

Minister of State Responsible for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland South Cde Abedinico Ncube, reaffirmed Government's commitment to rehabilitating such sites but called on the private sector to also chip in.

"The main issue is that of funds, with the private sector chipping in to assist that site would surely be up by now. However, I must emphasise that Government is doing all it can to ensure that the site is reconstructed," said Cde Ncube.

However, various stakeholders have called on the NMMZ and Government to engage other sectors, inclusive of the private sector and local communities, in their endeavour to reconstruct the site.

Prince Peter ZwidekaLanga Khumalo, a descendant of King Lobengula, noted that while the NMMZ had on a number of occasions stated their wish to reconstruct Old Bulawayo, it was unfortunate that they wanted to do it alone and were not even making efforts to consult the local leadership.

He said the do-it-alone syndrome was grossly affecting the commencement of the project because engagement could see the organisation attract possible investors to channel their money to the project.

"I was personally involved in that project as a co-ordinator in the 1990s but to my surprise, despite the expertise we might have we have never been consulted or engaged on the plans of this project.

"What NMMZ can do right now is to widen the catch, even fundraise that required $50 000 through the community, this should honestly be a community-driven initiative rather than NMMZ thinking they can easily do it alone," said Prince Khumalo.

He said the fact that the NMMZ was not engaging the community, especially the local leadership, led one to believe that they were not serious about the whole project.

"To be frank a lot has been said about the reconstruction but nothing seems to materialise at the end of the day, NMMZ should really be serious because that is one site that has to be reconstructed," he said.

Renowned historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi noted that such projects were not to be the burden of the NMMZ alone but should be a wholesome project led by the community since when reconstructed it had more benefits to the locals themselves through such things as tourist arrivals.

He said the matter should be taken seriously as this was a way of keeping the country's heritage intact.

"The main issue is that of the availability of funds, the spirit might be willing but the money won't be there but I feel this issue now boils down to us as the community at large, if we really call ourselves descendants of King Lobengula we should surely do something to reconstruct that site rather than wait for NMMZ to do it for us.

"There are a lot of other sites that really need us as the community to take a lead. These include Pupu and Gadade; instead of blaming the Government let's ask ourselves what we have done to ensure the upkeep of such sites. The onus squarely lies with us. It is apparent that some of us really don't care about our heritage hence this unfortunate attitude," said Mr Nyathi.

He said the community must come together and embark on fundraising initiatives to raise the required money and only go to NMMZ requiring their assistance but with the greater percentage having been raised.