On 29th January 2024, His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), met with Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, the Special Envoy of His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The purpose of the visit was to deliver a message from President Dr Mnangagwa regarding the proposedestablishment of the Museum of African Liberation in Zimbabwe, which is a collaborative project between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe-based Pan-African organization, the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK). The purpose of this project is to construct a Pan-African multi-country facility which will showcase the diverse African Liberation history.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi conveyed his country's desire to solicit support from SADC Member States for their endorsement and participation in the project, owing to potential to contribute significantly to the preservation of SADC's culture, history, and the broader African narrative. Furthermore, he emphasized that the establishment of the Museum of African Liberation is aligned with SADC's objective to enhance and consolidate the historical, social, and cultural heritage among the people of the region, as outlined in the SADC Treaty.
H.E. Magosi highlighted that the project resonates with the region's objectives, amongst others the operationalisation of the mechanism to recognize and honour the Founders of SADC for their contribution to the establishment of the organisation and pursuit of regional integration.
The envoy presented a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which outlines areas of mutual agreement and diplomatic support in the construction, including the contribution of archival materials for exhibition in the Museum. In this regard, further engagements regarding the project and MoU, as well as follow-ups, will be conducted between SADC and INSTAK in collaboration with the Zimbabwean Embassy in Botswana.
The Museum of African Liberation is situated on a 103-hectare site known as Liberation City, whose construction has already commenced. The Liberation City is an expansive piece of land located only seven (7) kilometers south west of Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare, along the busy trunk road Samora Machel Avenue, aptly named after Mozambique’s founding father the late Cde Samora Machel.
The Liberation City, which is a new city within the city of Harare, will house the liberation museum as the main attraction and will include a 5-star hotel, an amusement park, theme park, animal park, various national monuments including a heritage village among many recreational and amusement facilities.
The Liberation City is projected to be a family friendly attraction for both local, regional and international tourists who will enjoy history, heritage, recreational, commercial and amusement facilities to be established at the new city.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi was accompanied by His Excellency Ambassador Batiraishe Henry Mukonoweshuro, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Botswana, Ambassador Errol Edgar Tapiwa Muzavazi, Chief Executive Officer for INSTAK, Dr. Partson Chikudza, Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The Executive Secretary was accompanied to the meeting by Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, Director of Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs at the SADC Secretariat and Ms Kelejwang Moichubedi, Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary, along with other officials from both sides.
