19/05/2026
International Museums Day 2026 Celebrated in Masvingo
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), together with stakeholders in the heritage and cultural sector, yesterday commemorated International Museums Day on 18 May 2026 in Masvingo, where the prestigious National Heritage Education Quiz Finals brought together learners, educators, traditional leaders, government officials, and heritage enthusiasts from across the country.
The commemorations began with a colourful march through Masvingo, which was graced by vibrant drum majorettes and the energetic Mutendi High School Brass Band, creating an atmosphere of pride, celebration, and national unity. The event reflected Zimbabwe’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage while empowering young people to appreciate the nation’s history and identity.
Entertainment throughout the day was provided by traditional dance groups, poets, and the brass band, whose performances celebrated Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural expressions and added excitement to the commemorations.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including the President of the Pan-African Parliament, Chief Fortune Charumbira, traditional leaders Chief Nemamwa and Chief Murinye, together with other chiefs from various provinces. The NMMZ Board of Trustees was represented by Board Chairman Professor M. Manyanga and Trustee Mrs. T. Nkomo-Ebrahim. Also present were NMMZ Regional Directors, senior government officials from various ministries, educators, cultural practitioners, and heritage stakeholders.
The Guest of Honour was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador T. Faranisi, who underscored the importance of museums and heritage education in fostering national identity, cultural preservation, and community development.
A major highlight of the day was the National Heritage Education Quiz Finals, which featured ten provincial teams representing schools from across Zimbabwe. Participating schools included:
• AMR Sisters Primary School – Matabeleland North Province
• Cecil John Rhodes Primary School – Midlands Province
• Darwendale Primary School – Mashonaland West Province
• Helen McGhie Primary School – Masvingo Province
• Jahunda Primary School – Matabeleland South Province
• John Cowie Primary School – Manicaland Province
• Maphisa Primary School – Bulawayo Metropolitan Province
• Mt Sunset Primary School – Harare Metropolitan Province
• Nyameni Primary School – Mashonaland East Province
• Trojan Mine Primary School – Mashonaland Central Province
The quiz competition was conducted in five challenging sections namely: The Past, The Environment, Science and Technology, General Knowledge, and Object Identification. The competition showcased the remarkable knowledge, confidence, and academic excellence of Zimbabwean learners in heritage and cultural education.
After a highly competitive contest, the top three positions were awarded as follows:
1. Maphisa Primary School (Bulawayo Metropolitan Province) – 79 points
2. Trojan Mine Primary School (Mashonaland Central Province) – 76 points
3. Mt Sunset Primary School (Harare Metropolitan Province) – 70 points
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe congratulate all participating schools, teachers, and learners for their outstanding performance and dedication to heritage education.
NMMZ also extends sincere appreciation to all sponsors and partners who supported the successful hosting of the event through sponsorship of accommodation, prizes, and other logistical support. Their contributions played a vital role in making the International Museums Day commemorations and the National Heritage Education Quiz Finals a memorable success.
The celebrations reaffirmed the important role museums and heritage institutions play in education, cultural preservation, and nation-building, while inspiring the younger generation to value and safeguard Zimbabwe’s heritage for future generations.
