Byo historical sites declared national monument
THE Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Abednico Ncube has declared Bulawayo’s iconic Stanley Hall and Square a national monument.
Stanley Square and Hall was the epicentre of virtually every significant political and social event that took place between 1930 and 1960s right through to independence.
It was a major rallying point for township dwellers where resistance to white colonial rule and ultimately recruitment into the armed struggle, were coordinated.
Bulawayo councillors in 2011 passed a resolution for MacDonald Hall in Barbourfields suburb and Stanley Hall and Stanley Square in Makokoba to be named national monuments.
This followed a request from the monuments inspector of the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe ( NMMZ) to safeguard the two historical sites.
However, only Stanley Square and Stanley Hall have been approved.
Reverend Paul Damasane, the principal director in the Ministry of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage said buildings were declared national monuments based on their value to the liberation struggle.
“Stanley Square was used during the liberation struggle hence its declaration as a national monument. Other buildings like McDonald Hall which were built later cannot be said to be national monuments as they were not used during the struggle,” said Rev Damasane.
According to the latest Bulawayo City Council report, Minister Ncube made the announcement last month.
“I’m a glad to inform you that the Honourable Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage declared Stanley Hall and Square in Makokoba as a National Monument with effect from January 13. Stanley Hall and Square was nominated through a Statutory Instrument,” said the Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube.
He added: “The nomination of Stanley Hall and Square does not change its legal status as a property of the Bulawayo City Council. The declaration serves to enhance its protection and preservation as an iconic site associated with the liberation history of this country.”
According to the town clerk structural changes to Stanley Square and Stanley Hall would have to be approved by the NMMZ.
“Any structural modifications to the building and Square will have to be done in consultation with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe as provided for under the National Museums and Monuments Act Cap 25/11. Our team of monuments inspectors will also carry out periodic inspections of the National Monument as part of the department’s effort towards its conservation and management. All such programmes will be done in conjunction with your office,” he said.
Cultural guru Cont Mhlanga welcomed the move describing it as long overdue.
“Stanley Square and Hall was the epicentre of nationalism during the colonial era. Any and all nationalistic politics and mobilisation were done there. So this move to me although welcome is long overdue,” said Mhlanga.
He said what was left was for the Government, through the relevant ministry, to allocate funds to maintain the venue.
“There must be a benefit to such institutions where monies are budgeted for to enable them to tell their stories. These stories can be told through activities at the venue where motifs can be erected to tell the stories of the first black band, rally and theatre group to perform there. Also the monies can be used to maintain the venue,” said Mhlanga.
In 2011, the NMMZ’s executive director Dr Godfrey Mahachi said the conferment of national monument status was nominal and did not come with financial or material benefits.
“We are recognising the important role some places played in the struggle for the country’s independence. Like all other monuments, the NMMZ will protect and preserve them so that they continue to exist far into the future,” said Dr Mahachi. He said the recognition given would not in any way change the legal status or ownership of the buildings.
Post Independence, Stanley Hall has become the hub of nurturing up-and-coming talent, especially in theatre.
It is the venue of the internationally acclaimed the annual Ibumba Festival that is run by Siyaya, a group made up mostly of people who grew up watching plays at the place. — @thamamoe @ bonganinkunzi