Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has issued an apology to international travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada after a video circulated showing him being denied access to the Mbuya Nehanda Statue in Harare.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry clarified that the iconic statue, managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, operates under strict preservation and security protocols.
“The Mbuya Nehanda Statue is a National Heritage Monument. It stands as a proud symbol of Zimbabwe’s liberation history and identity,” the Ministry stated.
“The site is subject to specific preservation and security protocols and as such, public access to certain areas including elevated or restricted zones may be limited for safety, preservation and security reasons.”
The incident has prompted immediate government action, with tourism authorities announcing new measures to improve visitor experiences at heritage sites.
“We are taking proactive steps to enhance Tourist Management at such sites,” the Ministry confirmed, outlining a “Whole-of-Government Approach Strategy” that will see tourism officers deployed to key monuments to “facilitate seamless, well-informed and welcoming access for Tourists.”
The Ministry extended a direct apology, saying:
“We sincerely apologize to Mr. Davud Akhundzada for the inconvenience caused and remain committed to ensuring that all Tourists to Zimbabwe’s Heritage sites enjoy safe and memorable experiences.”
The access restrictions at the Nehanda statue present a stark contrast to the approach at other liberation monuments.
The statue of Father Zimbabwe, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, located in Bulawayo, remains freely accessible to the public, with photographers regularly operating at its base and visitors taking photographs without restriction throughout the day.
This discrepancy highlights varying approaches to the management of Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage sites across different locations.
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