Zimbabwe’s government has moved to clarify and address concerns surrounding restricted access to the Mbuya Nehanda Statue in Harare, following reports that international travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada was prevented from visiting the national monument.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry stated that the statue is a National Heritage Monument, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. The Ministry explained that the site is governed by strict preservation and security protocols, limiting entry to certain areas for safety and heritage protection reasons.
“The Mbuya Nehanda Statue stands as a proud symbol of Zimbabwe’s liberation history and identity,” the Ministry said, adding that it is working to enhance tourist management at key heritage sites.
The Ministry said it will deploy tourism officers at cultural monuments nationwide to ensure smooth, informed, and welcoming access for visitors, while safeguarding national heritage.
The Ministry also apologised to Mr Akhundzada for the incident, reiterating its commitment to ensuring safe and memorable experiences for all tourists visiting Zimbabwe’s heritage sites.
Restoration of Public Access to the Mbuya Nehanda Statue
Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana, through a post on X, confirmed that new measures are being developed to restore safe public access to the monument.
“To enable safe public viewing of the Mbuya Nehanda statue, while protecting the iconic monument, the government is creating a new access framework,” said Mangwana.
“The President has instructed that this be implemented as soon as possible.”
He went on to explain that the statue had initially been open to the public, but access was later restricted after repeated attempts at vandalism.
“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. We are now working on a plan to allow safe public access once again.”
A National Symbol of Resistance
Unveiled in May 2021, the Mbuya Nehanda Statue stands at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way in Harare’s city centre.
The monument commemorates Mbuya Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, a spiritual leader and resistance figure who led the First Chimurenga uprising against British colonial rule in the 1890s.
The bronze statue, sculpted by renowned artist David Mutasa, has since become a key heritage landmark and a symbol of Zimbabwean identity, attracting both local and international visitors.
Authorities say the monument’s reopening will be done carefully to ensure it remains protected while allowing the public to connect with a vital part of Zimbabwe’s history.
