Artists networking during Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 has wrapped up. The panels have ended, the masterclasses are over, and the conference badges have been tucked away in desk drawers. For many artists and entrepreneurs, the real question now is simple, what happens next? Throughout Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026, the conversation centred on collaboration, innovation, and opportunity. But the next phase is about something far more practical execution. Ideas shared in conference rooms must now translate into real work, real partnerships and, ideally, real income. For Zimbabwe’s creative sector, the period immediately after the conference may be the most important moment of all. One of the most practical sessions during the Music Publishing Masterclass Zimbabwe  was the focus on digital rights and metadata. For musicians, the message was clear: creativity alone is not enough; the business infrastructure behind your music matters just as much. Take a local example. Imagine a Harare-based producer collaborating with a vocalist from Bulawayo and a beatmaker in Johannesburg. If the song becomes popular on streaming platforms, but the metadata is incomplete, missing identifiers like ISRC or songwriter splits royalties can easily be misdirected or lost entirely. This week is the ideal time for artists to conduct a digital audit. Confirm ownership percentages with collaborators, verify song identifiers, and ensure your music files include correct contact information. With global music supervisors constantly searching for sync-ready tracks, having your digital information organised can mean the difference between landing a licensing deal and missing it entirely. Beyond music, Creative Economy Week also highlighted an important conversation around Creative Industry Industrialization . Many Zimbabwean creatives operate as individual makers producing one garment, one sculpture, or one craft piece at a time. While this approach preserves authenticity, it can limit growth. The tours of textile facilities in Kadoma illustrated how small-batch production can bridge the gap between artistry and scalability. Designers who produce hand-crafted garments, for example, could partner with local textile manufacturers to create limited runs of their designs. This doesn’t mean sacrificing identity. Instead, it allows creatives to maintain artistic control while reaching broader markets. A designer who once produced ten jackets per season could produce fifty without losing the story behind the brand. For Zimbabwe’s creative economy, scaling thoughtfully is essential if artists are to compete regionally and globally. Another key takeaway from the week involved NDS2 Arts Funding 2026 opportunities. Representatives from organisations such as the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe , the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, and the Alliance Française all highlighted upcoming grant cycles. Most funding windows open between March and April. That means artists should begin drafting proposals now rather than waiting until deadlines approach. Successful applications increasingly focus on projects that integrate digital storytelling, sustainability, or community development. A filmmaker documenting local heritage through digital platforms, or a fashion brand using recycled textiles, could align strongly with current funding priorities. Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 offered inspiration, knowledge, and valuable connections. But conferences are only the starting point. The coming months will reveal which creatives turn conversations into collaborations and ideas into income. Whether you are a musician preparing your metadata, a designer exploring small-scale manufacturing, or a writer drafting a grant proposal, the opportunity now lies in follow-through. The Creative Compass  is pointing firmly toward the next quarter, and the journey ahead belongs to those ready to act. Post-Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026

Gospel music producer MacDonald “Macdee” Chidavayenzi HARARE – Zimbabwe’s gospel music industry could soon gain a long-awaited platform for recognition after veteran producer MacDonald Chidavayenzi unveiled plans for the Shekinah Gospel Awards, a new initiative aimed at celebrating excellence across the country’s faith-based creative sector. Chidavayenzi, widely known in the industry as Macdee, said the awards will officially launch in Harare on March 30, marking the start of a nationwide mobilisation drive ahead of the inaugural ceremony later this year. Organisers say the exact date for the first awards ceremony will be announced in due course. For the veteran producer, the project represents more than another music awards show. He says it is a response to a prolonged absence of structured recognition for Zimbabwe’s gospel artists and creatives. “We are going to over ten years now without any specific awards ceremony set up for them,” Macdee said in an interview. Zimbabwe’s gospel music sector has produced numerous influential artists and songs over the years, yet industry players say formal platforms celebrating the genre have been limited. Macdee said the absence of recognition had begun to take a toll on the creative community. “To be honest with you, I felt a burden in my heart because it felt like we were slowly getting to a point of creative fatigue of gospel musicians who have been working tirelessly,” he said. The Shekinah Gospel Awards  aim to recognise excellence across a broad range of disciplines within the gospel ecosystem. Categories are expected to cover music, dance, visual arts, promotions, and honorary awards, reflecting the diverse network of creatives who contribute to faith-driven entertainment. Macdee said one of the guiding principles behind the awards will be maintaining high standards in both organisation and recognition. “One thing I can tell you about the Shekinah Gospel Awards is that we are focusing more on excellence,” he said. “We believe that our artists are world-class artists, and as such, we have to honour them in a world-class standard.” Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the music industry, including time serving as an adjudicator under the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe , Macdee said the judging process would be credible and transparent. “The process will be very simple but very solid and airtight,” he said. Early reactions from gospel artists and creatives suggest strong support for the initiative. According to Macdee, many musicians have already expressed excitement about the awards and their potential impact on the sector. “Our artists are excited as well. I’ve been getting feedback from artists showing their support and showing that this is going to be an interesting journey for us,” he said. If successful, the Shekinah Gospel Awards could mark a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s gospel music industry, providing a flagship platform to celebrate talent and inspire the next generation of faith-based creatives. For Macdee, the goal is simple: to restore honour and visibility to a community that has played a major role in shaping Zimbabwe’s musical landscape. “I believe that this is a perfect journey for us all,” he said. “And it shall lead to the beginning of greater things to come.” Shekinah Gospel Awards Zimbabwe

The three judges Windhoek, Namibia-In a move to address a critical judicial staffing crisis, Chief Justice Peter Shivute  and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Namibia have officially sworn in three international judges to the High Court. Among them are two prominent Zimbabwean legal minds, whose three-year tenures began on March 1, 2026. The recruitment of foreign judges comes after a rigorous local search. The JSC noted that all domestic magistrate applicants for the High Court's civil stream, unfortunately, failed to meet the required criteria during the selection process. The New Bench: A Profile of Experience Judge Origin Role Contract Term David Mangota Zimbabwe Acting Judge 3 Years James Devittie Zimbabwe Acting Judge 3 Years Gabriel Komboni Botswana Permanent Judge 2 Years, 5 Months Meet the Judges Justice David Mangota: A veteran of the Zimbabwean bench, Mangota recently retired as a Senior Judge of the Bulawayo High Court in early 2025. With a career spanning four decades, including 11 years as the Permanent Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs, he is widely regarded as a "beacon of integrity" in the SADC legal community. Justice James Devittie: Bringing a unique international perspective, Devittie served as a judge in the UK’s First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) for nearly 20 years. His background in handling complex administrative and human rights cases is expected to be a major asset to Namibia’s pressured civil stream. Justice Gabriel Komboni: Transitioning from the Gaborone Division of the High Court of Botswana, Komboni enters the Namibian system as a permanent judge on contract. His appointment reinforces the inter-regional exchange of legal expertise. Addressing a "Critical Point" At the opening of the 2026 legal year, Chief Justice Shivute warned that the shortage of judges had reached a "critical point." The new appointments are specifically tasked with clearing a massive backlog in the civil stream, where the retirement of long-serving appeal judges in 2025 left significant gaps in the administration of justice. Zimbabwean judges Namibia High Court

US President Donald Trump speaks on the Iran conflict in Washington Tensions in the Middle East continued to escalate on Tuesday as Iran signalled it would no longer pursue negotiations with the United States, while fighting involving Iran, Israel, and Washington continues to reverberate across global politics and energy markets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomatic talks with the United States were no longer on Tehran’s agenda under current circumstances, indicating that prospects for negotiations had sharply deteriorated amid the conflict. The remarks came as military and political tensions in the region remain high following a series of strikes and counter-strikes involving Iran and Israel, with the United States also playing a central role in the unfolding crisis. In Washington, Donald Trump suggested that the conflict may be approaching its final stages . Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Trump said the war in Iran was “pretty much over,” although he warned that any attempt by Tehran to disrupt global oil shipments through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz would provoke a severe response. He warned that interference with shipping in the strait would trigger retaliation “twenty times harder” than the strikes Iran had experienced so far. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments, making any disruption there a major concern for international markets. Reports from Washington indicate that several advisers have recently urged Trump to begin outlining a strategy for extracting the United States from the conflict. The calls reflect growing concerns among policymakers about the risks of a prolonged military engagement in the Middle East and the potential economic and political consequences. Trump also held discussions on Monday with Vladimir Putin regarding what both sides described as the need for a “quick settlement” to the war. Russia has signalled strong backing for Iran’s leadership during the crisis. Amid the escalating tensions, Iran on Monday announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the death of Ali Khamenei. The move marks a significant transition in Iranian leadership during a period of geopolitical instability. Russia has since pledged “unwavering support” to Mojtaba Khamenei, signalling Moscow’s continued alignment with Tehran in the unfolding conflict. The war has also triggered humanitarian concerns. Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using white phosphorus over residential areas in southern Lebanon, a claim that could intensify international scrutiny of the conduct of the war. Israel has not immediately responded publicly to the allegations. The conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Global benchmark Brent Crude Oil surged above $115 per barrel on March 9, briefly touching nearly $119, as investors reacted to fears that escalating hostilities could disrupt oil supplies. The spike was largely driven by concerns that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could be blocked or restricted for an extended period. However, prices later retreated sharply as geopolitical sentiment shifted and traders assessed the likelihood of prolonged disruption. Analysts warn that the situation remains volatile, with any escalation in the conflict capable of triggering further swings in global energy prices and financial markets.   Iran Israel US conflict 2026

Portraits of Ali Khamenei and Mojtaba Khamenei TEHRAN – Thousands of Iranians took to the streets on Monday in large demonstrations expressing support for Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been presented by supporters as the new leader of the Islamic Revolution. Crowds gathered in several locations across the capital, including Enqelab Square, where demonstrators waved Iranian flags and chanted slogans condemning the United States and Israel amid heightened tensions in the region. Participants said the rallies were meant to demonstrate national unity at a time when Iran is facing escalating pressure following military strikes and growing geopolitical confrontation. “We will stand by the sacred ideals of the Islamic Revolution until our last breath,” a 15-year-old demonstrator told local media. The gatherings come against the backdrop of intensifying conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Some protesters accused Washington and Tel Aviv of responsibility for civilian casualties during the early stages of the war, with several speakers at the rallies condemning what they described as attacks that killed innocent civilians. A university student attending the demonstration said the timing of the protests was significant. “This comes after relentless U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that have caused widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure and taken many lives,” the student said. Many demonstrators displayed portraits of both Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba , highlighting continuity within Iran’s leadership during the current crisis. In some areas, protesters smeared their palms with red paint to symbolise the bloodshed they attribute to foreign aggression. Religious elements also featured prominently during the gatherings, with groups of participants reciting prayers for the country’s leadership and for the protection of Iran’s territorial integrity. A middle-aged participant said the rallies were intended to send a message of unity during a challenging period. “This gathering shows that the nation stands together despite the difficulties we are facing,” he said. Observers noted that the demonstrations brought together people from different backgrounds and communities. In several places, Sunni and Shia participants stood side by side during the rallies, a gesture many described as a show of solidarity in the face of external pressure. Speakers also criticised statements by Donald Trump and other Western leaders, accusing them of attempting to undermine Iran’s stability and unity. Participants said the protests were meant to reinforce national resilience and signal continued support for Iran’s leadership amid ongoing regional tensions. ⚠️ Note: Some claims made by participants during the rallies could not be independently verified. Tehran rallies Mojtaba Khamenei

DNA test HARARE – Spencer Tshuma, the Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Kabuyuni , has proposed that all newborn babies in Zimbabwe undergo mandatory DNA testing before birth certificates are issued, arguing that the measure could help resolve paternity disputes and protect family rights. Speaking in the Parliament of Zimbabwe last week, Tshuma said compulsory DNA testing at birth would ensure that children are correctly linked to their biological parents. According to the legislator, the results of the test should be attached to the child’s birth certificate as proof of parentage. Tshuma argued that such a system could help prevent situations where men are forced to support children who are not biologically theirs while also safeguarding inheritance rights for children. The MP also called on the government to make DNA testing affordable and widely accessible by equipping hospitals with the necessary testing machines. The proposal comes after similar calls were made by Bridget Nyandoro, the Member of Parliament for Southerton, who previously indicated that she intended to introduce a motion in Parliament advocating for mandatory DNA testing at birth. Speaking at the Action Indaba on Gender-Based Violence symposium in Harare in August 2025, Nyandoro said compulsory DNA testing could help reduce cases of gender-based violence linked to paternity disputes. “I am going to move a motion in Parliament to have mandatory DNA testing at birth,” Nyandoro said at the time. “I know it is not going to be a favourable one, but I believe it will go a long way in mitigating the effects of gender-based violence.” Nyandoro argued that some violent incidents occur when paternity disputes surface many years after a child has been raised by a presumed father. “Many times, we have seen women being killed after 22 years when someone discovers they have been taking care of a child who is not theirs,” she said. The debate around compulsory testing has been fuelled by statistics released by Global DNA Zimbabwe. According to the laboratory, 72% of the paternity tests it has conducted returned negative results, indicating that the presumed fathers were not biologically related to the children involved. The figures have sparked discussion across Zimbabwe about family law, parental responsibility, and the potential role of DNA testing in resolving disputes. However, mandatory testing proposals could also raise ethical, legal, and privacy concerns, including the cost of nationwide implementation and questions about consent. As discussions continue, any proposal for compulsory DNA testing would require parliamentary approval and significant policy adjustments before being implemented nationwide. Mandatory DNA testing Zimbabwe

Deputy Finance Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa Harare, Zimbabwe- The Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe Mnangagwa , has expressed government satisfaction with current civil service remuneration, asserting that the administration has successfully moved all public workers above the national Poverty Datum Line (PDL). Responding to inquiries from Senator Teresa Kabondo (Matabeleland North) regarding the timeline for the next salary review, Mnangagwa highlighted that the current "stability" in the economy over the last 18 months has shifted the focus toward maintaining these gains rather than emergency adjustments. According to the Deputy Minister , the current salary structure for the entry-level civil service grade (such as a cleaner) is built on a hybrid model designed to protect purchasing power against inflation. Estimated Entry-Level Monthly Remuneration: USD Component: US$320 (Hard currency allowance). ZiG Component:  Equivalent to approximately US$40 – US$60. Total Value: Approximately US$360 – US$380. In a notable shift in narrative, Mnangagwa claimed that the public sector has surpassed the private sector in wage competitiveness. He noted that several private entities have expressed concern that the government is "moving too quickly" with salary increments, making it difficult for smaller businesses to compete for labor. "The Government does pay better than the private sector at this moment," Mnangagwa stated, emphasizing that the "desert experience" of hyperinflation is being replaced by a commitment to sustainable, PDL-linked wages. Despite the stated satisfaction, the Deputy Minister confirmed that negotiations between the government and the Apex Council (representing civil servants) remain open. The Goal: To ensure the lowest-paid worker never slips back below the PDL. The Mechanism: Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) will be triggered if economic stability wavers, though no immediate review date was set. Civil service salaries Zimbabwe 2026

Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi Harare, Zimbabwe- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)  has launched a high-stakes, nationwide operation targeting vehicles operating without registration plates and those illegally fitted with unauthorized emergency lighting and sirens. The crackdown, confirmed by Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, is already underway across all provinces. The move follows a spike in crimes, including armed robberies and hit-and-run accidents, where perpetrators utilized plateless vehicles to evade identification and police tracking. Commissioner Nyathi was explicit regarding the consequences for non-compliance. Unlike routine traffic stops, this operation bypasses warnings in favor of immediate seizure. Target Categories: Private, company, government, and public service vehicles (PSVs). Mandatory Procedure: All plateless vehicles will be impounded forthwith. Release Protocol: Vehicles will only be released once the owner completes the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) process and physically affixes the permanent plates. The ZRP is also stripping vehicles of unauthorized "prestige" or "emergency" equipment. Commissioner Nyathi warned that "no excuses" would be entertained by officers on the ground. Items Targeted for Immediate Removal: Blue lights and Sirens (Reserved strictly for emergency services). Bar lights and Beacons (Often used illegally by private security or off-road enthusiasts). Unauthorized Gauges/Gadgets that mimic law enforcement presence. "The police advise the public that motorists removing number plates to evade identification after committing crimes and traffic offenses will be targeted," Commissioner Nyathi stated. This operation is viewed as a critical step in restoring order to urban centers like Harare and Bulawayo, where the "mshikashika" (illegal taxi) culture and unregistered imports have created a chaotic road environment. Motorists are urged to carry their temporary permits and proof of registration applications at all times, though the ZRP maintains that permanent plates should be affixed as soon as they are available from the CVR. ZRP operation plateless vehicles 2026

Fadzayi Mahere HARARE —   The High Court has ordered lawyer and opposition politician Fadzayi Mahere  to pay US$33,000 in legal costs to Tino Machakaire , the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, in a preliminary stage of their ongoing defamation dispute. The costs order follows a special plea Mahere filed in response to Machakaire’s defamation suit over comments she posted on X. In that application, Mahere argued the minister’s claim lacked a proper cause of action. The court, however, found the special plea was filed out of time, struck it off the roll, and awarded costs to Machakaire. Machakaire’s lawyer, Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, initially submitted a bill of about US$43,000 for legal work on the preliminary application. After review by the taxing master, the amount was reduced to US$33,000, which the court ordered Mahere to pay. On 7 March, Chinyoka obtained a writ of execution to recover the assessed costs. The writ empowers the High Court Sheriff to attach Mahere’s property to satisfy the debt. Mahere’s legal team has filed an urgent application seeking a stay of execution while they challenge the costs order on review. Her lawyers described the fees claimed by Machakaire’s counsel as “ridiculous.” The broader legal battle dates to July 2025, when Mahere publicly questioned Machakaire’s alleged link to a US$8 million tax evasion  matter involving vehicle imports. Machakaire responded with a defamation suit, saying Mahere’s social media posts falsely suggested he was involved in corrupt activities and had damaged his reputation. Mahere denies defaming the minister and says her comments were made in the public interest, aimed at holding a public official to account. She has argued that citizens have a constitutional right to question public officials to promote transparency. The dispute escalated when Mahere filed a counterclaim, alleging Machakaire made a series of defamatory remarks about her, including accusations about her academic record and personal conduct. Both the original suit and the counterclaim remain pending before the courts. Legal observers say the costs order highlights procedural risks in litigation, particularly the importance of timely filings. The outcome of Mahere’s urgent application to stay the writ and her review of the costs order will determine whether the recovery of funds proceeds immediately or is paused pending further court consideration. Both defamation actions remain active, and the courts will still need to determine the substantive issues of whether the contested statements were defamatory and whether any defences, such as fair comment or public interest, apply. Fadzayi Mahere costs order 2026

New Ghanaian citizens taking the oath of allegiance in Accra ACCRA – New citizens of Ghana took the oath of allegiance  on Monday during a swearing-in ceremony held in Accra, marking another milestone in the country’s efforts to reconnect with the African diaspora. Once a central hub in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Ghana has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for people of African descent seeking to reclaim their heritage and establish deeper ties with the continent. Speaking at the ceremony, Ghana’s Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang said the initiative was aimed at rebuilding connections between Africa and its global diaspora. “We believe that reconnecting Africa and her diaspora heals historical wounds and unleashes new possibilities for global cooperation, cultural renewal, and economic transformation,” she said. Over the past decade, Ghana has implemented policies recognising members of the historical African diaspora and facilitating their path to citizenship. According to officials, the country has sworn in about 1,000 new citizens since formally recognising the diaspora initiative ten years ago. For many participants, the ceremony represented more than simply completing a legal process. New citizen Chauncia Willis Johnson said the moment carried deep personal meaning. “I feel elated. I'm excited for the future,” Johnson said. “I'm excited for what I, my family, my friends, my loved ones who will join me, I'm excited for what we will pour into Ghana and also what we will learn at the feet of Ghanaians.” Last month, the government announced a temporary suspension of new citizenship applications , saying it was reviewing the process to make it more efficient and accessible. Authorities have not yet indicated when the application process will reopen. Officials say the reforms are intended to streamline the system while maintaining Ghana’s commitment to welcoming members of the diaspora seeking to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. Ghana swear diaspora citizenship

Zanele Moyo Miss Tourism Zimbabwe At just 22 years old, Zanele Moyo is proving that beauty is about more than appearance it is about purpose, pride, and representing the place you call home. The Bulawayo-born model has emerged as one of the standout contestants in this year’s Miss Tourism Zimbabwe pageant, proudly carrying the spirit of Bulawayo onto the national stage. For Moyo, entering the competition has never been solely about winning the crown. Instead, she sees it as an opportunity to highlight the culture, history, and resilience of her home city while inspiring young women across the country. “It’s never just been about the crown, but a journey of pride, purpose, and showcasing the spirit of Bulawayo to the entire nation,” she said. Since joining the competition, Moyo has drawn attention for her confidence, elegance, and strong connection to her roots. Through every appearance and engagement in the pageant, she has focused on promoting the unique identity of Bulawayo, often referred to as Zimbabwe’s cultural capital. “Being allowed to represent Bulawayo, a city rich in culture, history, and resilience, has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” she said. “Every step of this journey reminds me of the beauty, strength, and warmth that our city carries, and I am proud to showcase that spirit on the national stage.” The Miss Tourism Zimbabwe competition is one of the country’s leading pageants, celebrating beauty, tourism advocacy, and cultural ambassadors who promote Zimbabwe’s destinations both locally and internationally. As the competition intensifies, Moyo has set her sights firmly on securing a place in the Top 5, a goal she believes will allow her to further amplify Bulawayo’s voice on the national platform. However, she says the journey cannot be achieved alone and is appealing to supporters across Zimbabwe to rally behind her campaign. Voting for contestants is currently open online, with contributions starting from US$2 through the official pageant voting platform. “Every vote brings me one step closer to representing our beautiful city even further,” Moyo said. “This is more than a personal dream. It’s about community, pride, and showing the world the strength and beauty of Bulawayo.” With determination and growing public support, the young model hopes to turn the pride of Bulawayo into national recognition as she continues her journey in the competition. For many supporters in the City of Kings, Moyo’s participation represents more than a pageant entry it is a celebration of the city’s identity, culture, and potential on the national stage. Zanele Moyo; Miss Tourism Zimbabwe; Bulawayo

University of Cambridge Descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters executed during colonial rule have renewed calls for British institutions to help locate and return the remains of their ancestors taken to the United Kingdom more than a century ago. The descendants, linked to leaders of the First Chimurenga uprising against colonial rule in the 1890s , have formally asked the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge to collaborate in finding skulls believed to have been taken after the execution of resistance fighters. Eight family representatives have written to the institutions requesting joint investigations and offering DNA samples to help identify the remains of six of their ancestors. The appeal comes amid long-standing concerns in Zimbabwe that skulls of First Chimurenga leaders were removed by colonial authorities after executions and transported to Britain for research and display. “This is not only about the past,” the descendants wrote in letters sent earlier this month. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” They added that until the remains are accounted for and returned, the suffering linked to colonial-era atrocities continues for affected families and communities. Colonial resistance and missing remains One of the signatories is a descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, a resistance leader who fought colonial forces linked to Cecil Rhodes and the British South Africa Company . Makoni opposed the seizure of land by settlers in what is now Manicaland and fought colonial forces during the Battle of Gwindingwi in 1896. After his capture, he was executed by firing squad and reportedly beheaded, with his skull believed to have been taken to England. His descendant, the current Chief Makoni, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, said families were deeply hurt by the historical treatment of their ancestors. “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he said. “The British, especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.” According to Gwasira, recovering the remains would allow communities to finally close a painful chapter of colonial history. Thousands of African remains held in UK institutions The renewed call follows a freedom of information investigation by The Guardian, which found that British universities, museums, and local authorities hold at least 11,856 human remains from Africa. The University of Cambridge reportedly holds the largest collection with at least 6,223 items, while the Natural History Museum holds more than 3,300. Zimbabwean cultural heritage experts say more research is needed to determine whether any of these remains belong to the First Chimurenga leaders. Dr. Rudo Sithole, former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, said Zimbabwean researchers believe investigations into the collections may not yet be complete. “Because people long believed that all the chimurenga heroes’ remains were in the UK, we are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she said. Calls for repatriation and historical justice The issue of returning ancestral remains has been raised before by Zimbabwean authorities, including former president Robert Mugabe, who demanded the return of resistance fighters’ skulls from Britain more than a decade ago. In 2022, trustees at the Natural History Museum agreed in principle to repatriate Zimbabwean human remains held in their collections. However, advocates say little progress has been made since that decision. UK institutions say they remain open to dialogue. The Natural History Museum said research had found no evidence linking the remains in its collection to named individuals or specific historical events, but confirmed its willingness to repatriate identified Zimbabwean remains. The University of Cambridge also said its vice-chancellor had written to affected families acknowledging their grief and the uncertainty surrounding the missing remains. For descendants, however, the issue is not only historical but deeply spiritual. In Zimbabwe’s Shona tradition, ancestral spirits known as vadzimu play a vital role in connecting communities to the divine. Until those ancestors return home, many believe a painful chapter of colonial history remains unfinished. Zimbabwean colonial remains UK; repatriation; UK museums; African remains