UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

11/14/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/15/2024 02:54

Restoring Heritage, Building Futures: Tinotenda and Shamiso’s experiences with wall restorations at Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site.

For Tinotenda Munhu and Shamiso Mudzvova, the towering, time-worn stones of the Great Zimbabwe Monument are more than relics of an ancient civilization they are symbols of heritage that speak to the core of their identities and aspirations. Standing on the rugged path near the water gate, they witness firsthand the toll that climate change has taken on this magnificent monument. The once-resilient walls, now fractured and shifting, are beginning to crumble, a stark reminder that even Zimbabwe's most enduring symbol is vulnerable. Yet, in that moment, the two aspiring archaeologists felt more than loss; they felt a calling. Heartbroken but resolute, Tinotenda and Shamiso joined forces with 52 other students from Great Zimbabwe University, Midlands State University, the University of Zimbabwe, Bindura University of Science Education, and the Masvingo community, answering a shared call to protect and preserve this beloved national treasure.

Their mission was transformative from the outset, centered around hands-on learning, collaboration, and community engagement. Together with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and Great Zimbabwe University, the team embarked on the restoration of Wall 31, a terrace wall distinguished by its blend of "poor walling" (P) and "quality walling" (Q) masonry styles. This challenging task demanded precision, respect for traditional techniques, and a combination of academic and indigenous stonemasonry expertise. Tinotenda and Shamiso, alongside their peers, learned from skilled local masons how to carefully place each stone without mortar, a craft passed down through generations. Every stone they positioned felt like a tribute to their ancestors, a deliberate gesture that connected them to the past and ensured a future for this historic site.

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As they worked, their tools extended beyond simple trowels and chisels. Equipped with cameras and mapping tools, they meticulously documented each feature of the wall, capturing details to preserve its story for future generations. The monument held more than stones; it concealed the secrets of a once-thriving community. Beneath the layers of rock and sand they unearthed delicate gold beads, ancient pottery shards, copper jewelry, and even an iron spearhead. These long-hidden artifacts whispered of lives once lived on this sacred ground, stirring a sense of connection and reverence in the young archaeologists. Each discovery transformed their restoration work into an intimate dialogue with history, enriching their mission with every layer uncovered.

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Participating in this initiative transformed me. I could bring my classroom lessons to life here, working alongside experts and the community. Now, I felt a profound appreciation for our heritage and a responsibility to preserve it. What I learned about teamwork, resilience, and cultural pride would guide me for the rest of my career.

Mr Tinotenda MunhuGreat Zimbabwe University Student
Tanaka Great Zimbabwe Student

More than anything, I learned that it wasn't just about technical skills; it was about understanding how these ancient sites shaped who we are today. Working here, I realized that heritage preservation wasn't only about protecting the past-it was about inspiring the future. I was deeply grateful to UNESCO, and everyone involved for this opportunity to be part of something so meaningful.

Ms Shamiso MudzvovaGreat Zimbabwe Student
Shamiso Mudzvova Great Zimbabwe University

The impact of their collaborative efforts extended far beyond the technical work, it highlighted the power of community collaboration and the need for increased. Local community members, especially youth, worked side by side with students and heritage professionals, sharing knowledge and reigniting a sense of pride in Zimbabwe's traditional building methods. This exchange of expertise underscored the value of indigenous knowledge while demonstrating to the local community that their unique heritage was cherished and respected.

Looking forward, Tinotenda and Shamiso are excited to pursue careers that blend tradition with innovation, ensuring that sites like Great Zimbabwe continue to educate and inspire for generations to come. Both students were inspired to continue working in heritage conservation, seeing themselves as torchbearers of cultural heritage preservation.

By supporting initiatives like the restoration of the Great Zimbabwe Monument, UNESCO is reaffirming its commitment to empowering communities and safeguarding global heritage. Initiatives like restoration of wall 31 at great Zimbabwe emphasize the importance of investing in young people, equipping them to protect, celebrate, and carry forward the stories of the past.

This activity being led by the Great Zimbabwe University is part of the "Rehabilitation and Development of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site" project that is being supported by the French Development Cooperation (AFD), managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and co-implemented by UNESCO and the National Monuments and Museums of Zimbabwe. The project is stimulating sustainable and inclusive tourism development of the site and its surrounding areas, thereby connecting the site with the local economy. By transferring skills and placing young people at the forefront of conservation work, UNESCO is helping renew a sense of ownership and local pride in the beloved monument.

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