Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) is set to adopt Chisvingo and Chikupo national monuments after agreeing in principle with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ).
Chisvingo is one of many dry-stone wall heritage sites in the country while Chikupo has rock painting that date back to the ancient pre-colonial era.The adoption of these sites will enable BUSE to carry out research as well as maintain and restore the sites.NMMZ senior curator Farai Chabata expressed excitement over the collaboration and hopes that more collaboration in research, outreaches and other programmes will be explored between the two institutions.
“This adoption is the cementing of relations. It is a joint site management program which is for the benefit of cultural heritage,” said Chabata.“We will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BUSE which will assume the responsibilities for the site conservation. We are excited to partner with BUSE as we often receive top notch students from the institution who excel whether on industrial attachment or graduate training.”
Faculty of Social Science and Humanities executive dean, Prof. Charles Pfukwa said this adoption is the beginning of other collaborations.
“You (NMMZ representatives) are the answer to students’ questions. This adoption is the beginning of many collaborations.”Prof Pfukwa highlighted the need to catalogue and document the many dry-stone sites scattered around the nation as they can be a source of insight into pre-colonial life.
BUSE lecturer Munyaradzi Sagiya said Chisvingo and Chikupo have the potential to become major tourism sites that can earn the country foreign currency.“Chisvingo is one of many Dzimbabwe sites in the nation which if maintained and restored can be a major source of foreign currency as visitors can come to see these sites.”
All that remains is the official signing of the MoU between BUSE and NMMZ.
