Liberation City Takes Shape: Muzawazi Showcases Progress on Museum, Mall and Heritage Village

By Ilyana Sithole

Amb. Tapiwa “Kwame” Muzawazi, CEO of the Institute of African Knowledge, earlier today led journalists on a tour of the fast growing Liberation City project, highlighting key developments including the Museum of African Liberation, the Liberation Mall and Heritage Village.

Muzawazi emphasized that the mall, currently under construction, is a crucial component of the broader Liberation City vision. “Phase 1 is already complete, with Redan and Nandos operational,” he stated. “The mall’s structure is finished, and we are awaiting corporate to move in. We are collaborating with NSSA and aim for an 18th April opening.”

Situated on 10 hectares of land, the Liberation Mall will be the largest retail center in the country, strategically positioned between the site of the upcoming SADC Monument Square (also 10 hectares) and the soon-to-be-constructed SADC Liberation Monument.

“Construction on the monument will commence after the rains subside,” Muzawazi revealed. “We aim to complete it before Madagascar assumes the SADC chairmanship in August.”

Muzawazi underscored the importance of private sector partnerships in the success of these projects. “Museums, like national airlines, require significant investment,” he explained. “Generating revenue is crucial for their sustainability. The Liberation City concept integrates various attractions – the museum, the mall, the monument, and potentially wildlife experiences – to ensure consistent visitor engagement.”

He acknowledged the current challenges facing Zimbabwe’s museums, stating, “We need to revitalize our museums to make them more appealing and relevant to the public. They should not be repositories for dead things but vibrant, living organisms.”

The tour concluded with a visit to the Heritage Village, further emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the Liberation City project.