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Herald Reporter

Historical sites and shrines are part of a new programme that seeks to preserve the country’s liberation history while promoting tourism.

The enshrinement of the Chinhoyi Seven Battleground and construction of a shrine in Kamungoma, Gutu, are among measures aimed at preserving the country’s war history and promoting them as tourist sites.

The Kamungoma massacre occurred on May 14, 1978 after Rhodesian forces launched a surprise attack during a nocturnal political mobilisation meeting (pungwe) between freedom fighters and villagers. It is regarded as one of the most gruesome acts of cold-blooded butchering of innocent civilians by the Ian Smith regime. Work has also been undertaken on the Pupu Shrine in Matabeleland North Province.

The Pupu-Shangani ford is an important part of Zimbabwe’s history.

King Lobengula crossed the site after the battle of December 4, 1893 against the settler colonial forces led by Major Allan Wilson was ambushed, overrun and eliminated by an army of Matabele warriors.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said it was working together with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe in undertaking these efforts to bring these products to the fore through the enshrinement programme.

Work will soon start on enshrining Gonakudzingwa Restriction Camp near Sango Border Post in Chikombedzi into a national monument while work on kwaVaMuzenda Heritage Site in Masvingo City has already been completed.

Plans to build a shrine at Masvingo Railway Station in honour of the heroic bombing of a Rhodesian steam locomotive by President Mnangagwa in 1964 are at an advanced stage.

Cde Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, during a post-media briefing with The Herald explained that they were also working with the National Monuments and Museums on reconstruction of the Old Bulawayo Monument and would continue to work closely with the Museums and Monuments as the custodians of the country’s culture and heritage.

The ministry, he said, also continues to promote township-based tourism. This seeks to link tourists and communities.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, which is the marketing arm of the Government is seized with the matter and also there are associations already tapping into the township tourism.

Among these are the Bulawayo Township Tourism Association and the Harare Township Tourism Association.