Vice President Hon. Col. (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi has praised the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) for promoting African knowledge systems, preserving liberation heritage and advancing Pan-African cooperation over the past decade.
Speaking at the institute’s 10th anniversary celebrations at Liberation City in Harare on Thursday, Vice President Mohadi said the occasion celebrated Africa’s determination to reclaim its history and future.
“Today, we are not merely celebrating the anniversary of an institution. We are celebrating an idea and a vision. Above all, we are celebrating Africa’s continuing determination to reclaim ownership of its history, knowledge, heritage and future.”
He said INSTAK had become a strategic partner in Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 through research, education and heritage preservation.
“Our liberation movements corrected political injustice, but another struggle remained unfinished: the struggle for intellectual sovereignty and economic independence. It is this historical responsibility that institutions such as INSTAK have embraced.”
Vice President Mohadi also described Liberation City as “an expression of African civilisation” and commended the Museum of African Liberation, saying it would preserve Africa’s liberation history for future generations.
INSTAK Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi said the institute was established to provide an intellectual foundation for Africa’s development.
“INSTAK continues to hold many workshops, symposia and conferences, promoting new knowledge and new thinking around this great place called Africa,” he said.
He announced that construction of the entrance to the Museum of African Liberation will begin next week and revealed plans for a five-star pyramid-shaped hotel and a rotating restaurant at Liberation City.
Muzawazi said INSTAK has already invested US$12 million in infrastructure development.
“The Museum of African Liberation will be the biggest museum in Africa, with the story of our heritage, our history and our identity,” Ambassador Muzawazi said.
He said Liberation City aims to become SADC’s leading tourism destination by 2030.
“We believe that the Liberation City will become the most visited destination in SADC by 2030.”
Vice President Mohadi congratulated INSTAK on its 10-year milestone, urging Africans to preserve their identity and heritage.
“Together, let us continue building an Africa that is proud of its past, confident in its present and ambitious for its future.”
