Govt moves to correct colonial misconception

Zimbabwe has launched a major initiative aimed at correcting longstanding misconceptions that portray Africa as a continent lacking civilisation prior to colonisation and incapable of independent economic development.

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga arrived in the Indian state of Goa yesterday, leading a delegation tasked with tracing and documenting Zimbabwe's historical contributions to civilisation and the global spread of Christianity. The mission seeks to highlight the role of Zimbabweans in shaping international history long before colonial influence.

"The historical perspective is crucial for a people who have long impacted the world and are now ready to champion economic development, as espoused by President Mnangagwa's mantra of ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,'" VP Chiwenga said on arrival.

Central to the delegation's work is the examination of Zimbabwe's historical ties to the Mutapa Empire, whose heirs reportedly served as trade ambassadors and later as Catholic priests, spreading both commerce and faith across continents.

To ensure a comprehensive study, the delegation includes officials from the National Museums and Monuments, the National Archives of Zimbabwe, historians from local universities, and senior Catholic clergy.

VP Chiwenga emphasised that there has been a deliberate effort by Western narratives to downplay Zimbabwe's historical achievements, and he called on academia to expose this and inspire the current generation to reclaim Zimbabwe's path-finding legacy.

"We are back in Goa for the third time, now with a larger delegation. Our purpose is to explore Zimbabwe's historical contributions to the spread of Christianity and civilisation globally, dating back to the 15th century," he said.

Chiwenga also noted that during previous visits to the Vatican, Zimbabwe requested recognition of its historical role in global affairs. Key archival records exist not only in Goa, but also in Maputo, Beira and Lisbon, documenting Zimbabweans' contributions to Christian missions in places such as Brazil and Macau, now part of the People's Republic of China.

"This work will highlight Zimbabwe's role on the world stage and ensure the importance of our nation is clearly recognised," VP Chiwenga added, underscoring the government's commitment to reclaiming and celebrating its historical legacy.