By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, Zimbabwe, July 1, 2025 – The Mhakwe Heritage Foundation Trust, under the leadership of Executive Director David Mutambirwa, is stepping up efforts to reclaim and preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and promote indigenous knowledge systems, which the organisation views as vital to national identity, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
Speaking in a recent engagement, Mutambirwa said 2025 marks a critical juncture for Zimbabwe to reclaim both tangible and intangible heritage. “Preserving our cultural identity is not just about history—it is about building national pride, empowering communities, and driving conservation in ways that speak directly to our traditions,” he said.
The Trust has been working closely with traditional leaders, including Chief Makumbe and Chief Gwebu of Buhera, to strengthen ties between traditional leadership and religious institutions. The initiative promotes family values, peace-building, and unity—key elements in restoring social cohesion.
Mutambirwa highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge systems, especially in environmental and wildlife conservation. “Our people have long protected endangered species like the southern ground hornbill and the pangolin using methods passed down through generations. This local wisdom is often more effective than conventional methods,” he said.
The Foundation is also promoting the protection of sacred sites as a means of environmental conservation. According to the Trust, local communities often manage forest and wildlife resources more sustainably when these are tied to cultural values and protected through customary law.
To further its goals, the Foundation is advocating for Documentation and Preservation. Recording cultural artifacts, oral traditions, and indigenous stories. The Trust is currently contributing heritage content on social media through its “Mhakwe Chronicles” series and is working on publishing a book on cultural preservation.
Community Empowerment: Engaging local communities in heritage preservation and ensuring their knowledge and perspectives guide conservation efforts, Education and Awareness: Promoting heritage through schools, tourism, and cultural festivals.
“Reclaiming our heritage empowers communities, strengthens identity, and builds a path toward sustainable development,” said Mutambirwa.