Tourism Ministry Responds To Vlogger Being Barred From Viewing Mbuya Nehanda Statue

The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has announced plans to deploy tourism officers at key heritage and cultural sites across Zimbabwe to ensure tourists have seamless, informative, and welcoming experiences.

The move follows an incident involving YouTuber Davud Akhundzada, who was stopped from using the suspended pedestrian flyover to view the Nehanda Statue in Harare’s central business district.

When Akhundzada asked a police officer why the public was not allowed on the footbridge, the officer said he did not know.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 5 November, the Ministry said it had noted with concern a video in which the travel vlogger shared his experience trying to access the Mbuya Nehanda Statue site. The statement reads:

“The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has noted with concern a circulating video involving travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada, who was reportedly restricted from accessing the Mbuya Nehanda Statue site in Harare.

“We wish to clarify that the Mbuya Nehanda Statue is a National Heritage Monument managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. It stands as a proud symbol of Zimbabwe’s liberation history and identity.

“The site is subject to specific preservation and security protocols and as such, public access to certain areas, including elevated or restricted zones may be limited for safety, preservation and security reasons.

“However, as the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry we are taking proactive steps to enhance Tourist Management at such sites.

“Through a Whole-of-Government Approach Strategy in coordination with our counterparts at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, we are in the process of deploying Tourism officers at key Heritage and Cultural Monuments.

“These officers will facilitate seamless, well-informed and welcoming access for Tourists, ensuring a positive experience while safeguarding our National Heritage.

“We sincerely apologize to Mr. Davud Akhundzada for the inconvenience caused and remain committed to ensuring that all Tourists to Zimbabwe’s Heritage sites enjoy safe and memorable experiences.”

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