Zimbabwe restricts access to Nehanda Statue

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Publicity, Nick Mangwana, says the government restricted public access to the Nehanda statue in Harare's Central Business District following multiple acts of attempted vandalism.

The statue, unveiled by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021, stands at the intersection of Julius Nyerere Way and Samora Machel Avenue and has been guarded by police officers since its installation.

Mangwana said the monument was initially open to the public but had to be fenced off after people tried to damage it.

"The monument was initially accessible to the public. Unfortunately, after a rise in visitor numbers and repeated vandalism attempts, including people trying to push it over or deface it, access had to be restricted," Mangwana said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He added that government is working on a new access plan to allow safe public viewing while ensuring the monument's protection.

"To enable safe public viewing of the Nehanda statue, while protecting the iconic monument, the government is creating a new access framework. The President has instructed that this be implemented as soon as possible. We take this opportunity to apologize to the public for the delayed access," he said.

Mangwana's remarks came after an international travel vlogger, Davud Akhundzada, was denied access to the site during a recent visit - sparking public criticism that authorities were missing opportunities to promote Zimbabwe's capital as a tourism destination.

In response, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry clarified that the statue is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, not by the tourism ministry.

"We wish to clarify that the 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 ministry said in a statement.

The ministry explained that the site is governed by preservation and security protocols that may limit access to certain areas.

"Public access to certain areas, including elevated or restricted zones, may be limited for safety, preservation and security reasons," it said.

However, the ministry also announced plans to improve tourist management at heritage sites across the country through a Whole-of-Government Approach, which includes deploying trained tourism officers at major monuments.

"These officers will facilitate seamless, well-informed and welcoming access for tourists, ensuring a positive experience while safeguarding our national heritage," the statement added.

The Nehanda statue - a bronze depiction of the revered spirit medium and liberation heroine - was constructed at a reported cost of several hundred thousand U.S. dollars, sparking public debate at the time over government spending priorities.

Despite the controversy, it remains one of Harare's most prominent landmarks and a potent symbol of Zimbabwe's struggle for independence.