Mbuya Nehanda Statue in Harare

The legend around the figure of Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, popularly known as Mbuya Nehanda, an anti-colonial leader and spirit medium, revolves around the interplay between the Zimbabwean pre-colonial past and its neo-colonial present. The government initially proposed dedicating a statue to the woman in Harare’s capital city. However, as announced, the process was not transparent and communicative, and there were accusations of resource mismanagement. Furthermore, there were heated debates about the decision to choose Nehanda’s figure, given the presence of different ethnic groups in the city and the lack of consultation with her relatives. This case illustrates the issues governments should consider when deciding to commemorate historical figures in public space.