Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
THE Museum of African Liberation, currently under construction in Harare, is already becoming a hub of historical significance, showcasing Zimbabwe and Africa’s diverse liberation history through unique artefacts.
Among the most notable items on display are two vehicles that once belonged to the late former President, Cde Robert Mugabe.
Donated by his family, one of the cars was his first personal vehicle, purchased in 1961 using his earnings as a teacher.
Vehicles that once belonged to the late former President, Cde Robert Mugabe – Picture: Kudakwashe Hunda
The second was gifted to him in 1963 by the Zanu Youth Wing to celebrate his appointment as secretary-general.
The museum also has in its display a military uniform worn by the late national hero, Cde Josiah Magama Tongogara, on December 26, 1979, the day he tragically died in a car accident.
Alongside it is the pistol he used during the liberation struggle, as well as various types of ammunition contributed by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, which were used in the war of Independence.
Additionally, the museum features the uniform he wore in a historic photograph with former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda and Zimbabwe’s former Vice President Joseph Msika, taken during the country’s independence celebrations on April 18, 1981.
Dr Muswere and Ambassador Muzavazi holding a photograph which also includes President Mnangagwa and former Vice Presidents Nkomo and Simon Muzenda – Picture Kudakwashe Hunda
The photograph also includes President Mnangagwa and former Vice Presidents Nkomo and Simon Muzenda.
Another treasured artefact is a trunk that once belonged to Cde Leopold Takawira.
The trunk contained important documents and a camera that captured the brutalities committed by the Rhodesian regime.
A television set from Cde Enos Nkala’s home in Highfield, where freedom fighters used to gather for updates on the liberation struggle, is also on display.
This historic television was donated by the late Roman Catholic priest, Father Emmanuel Ribeiro.
Other items include:
- The first saw owned by former VP Muzenda, who used carpentry to raise funds for the liberation struggle.
- A briefcase once carried by Cde Edgar Tekere, donated by his family.
- The original drums that produced the iconic sound marking the start of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s 8pm news bulletin.
- A fax sent in February 1980 by the first non-African country to recognise Zimbabwe’s independence.
As part of its connection with the African Diaspora, the museum has received a bronze replica of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, donated by his family to symbolise solidarity with Africa.
Additionally, visitors can view the foundation stone laid by President Mnangagwa on December 21, 2021, as well as a letter he sent to 25 countries inviting them to contribute to the museum.
Speaking after a tour of the museum, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere emphasised the importance of telling Africa’s history from an African perspective.
“This is an opportunity to showcase over 600 years of slavery, more than a century of colonisation, and how we united to free ourselves from oppression,” he said.
“It also ties into the Land Reform Programme and the broader struggle for economic emancipation, democracy and freedom.”
Located on a 100-hectare site known as Liberation City, the museum is part of a larger complex that includes the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Exhibition Park, the Samora Machel Monument, the SADC Liberation Square, a heritage village and an amusement park.
A collaborative effort between Zimbabwe and the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), the project is a key initiative of the Second Republic, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Africa’s history.
INSTAK chief executive officer Ambassador Errol Muzavazi said: “The project is a commitment to ensuring that future generations understand and honour Africa’s past.”
