Gweru – Top scholars and professionals gathered at Midlands State University this week for a thought-provoking discussion on how Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage can inform sustainable urban development.
The two-day academic conference, running from the 11th to the 12th of July 2024 was organised by the Department of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, and has brought together voices from across various fields under the timely theme, “Heritage, Urbanisation and Sustainable Development”.
In his opening remarks, Faculty of Arts and Humanities Executive Dean-Professor T. Javangwe expressed enthusiasm for the conference’s exploration of “the relationship and intersection of heritage urbanisation and sustainability.”
Vice Chancellor’s representative and Pro-Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs and Administration, Professor M. Maphosa officially opened the workshop, emphasising its importance.
“Our heritage should inform our development aspirations and anchor answers to sustainable development and urbanisation challenges which are at the heart of humanity’s demands, desires, food security issues, healthcare matters, waste and water management issues as well as urban planning matters,” he said.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor called for collaboration between academics and practitioners to develop long-term solutions to pressing issues.
“Indigenous knowledge from sites like Great Zimbabwe can guide water scarcity management,” he proposed.
Participants delved into critical issues shaping heritage stewardship in Zimbabwe.
Presentations covered topics across archaeology, management, policy, climate, and community development.
As scholars and researchers networked, they explored ways cultural heritage can underpin sustainable urban planning now and into the future.
The discussion reflected MSU’s role in equipping heritage professionals to protect Zimbabwe’s rich history.