COMMENT: The UK must return Zimbabwe’s intellectual heritage without conditions

THE Government’s recent engagement with the United Kingdom on the repatriation of migrated archives, signals a turning point in Zimbabwe’s ongoing drive toward historical justice and cultural restoration. These archives, many of which were removed during the colonial era, are not just dusty records of a bygone age — they are the living memory of a nation, the intellectual and cultural DNA of Zimbabwe.

For decades, these documents — ranging from administrative records and correspondences to ethnographic studies and maps — have been housed in British institutions, far from the people whose stories they tell. Their absence has created a void in Zimbabwe’s national consciousness, depriving generations of citizens, scholars and policymakers, of access to critical information about their own heritage. The return of these archives is not merely a symbolic act; it is a necessary and urgent step toward reclaiming our narrative and restoring the integrity of our historical record.

The migrated archives contain irreplaceable insights into Zimbabwe’s pre-colonial societies, colonial resistance movements, land tenure systems and the evolution of governance.

They document the resilience of indigenous communities, the brutality of colonial rule, and the complex socio-political transformations that shaped modern Zimbabwe. Without access to these materials, our understanding of the past remains incomplete, filtered through the lens of those who once sought to dominate and suppress it.

Bringing these archives home will empower Zimbabwean historians, educators and students, to engage with their history on their own terms. It will enable the development of curricula that reflect authentic African perspectives, free from the distortions of colonial narratives. It will also support the growth of local research institutions and cultural centers, fostering a deeper sense of national identity and pride.

Zimbabwe’s call for the return of its archives is part of a broader global movement for the restitution of cultural heritage. Across Africa, Asia and Latin America, formerly colonised nations are demanding the return of artefacts, documents and artworks that were taken under imperial rule. These demands are not about nostalgia or revenge — they are about justice, dignity and the right to self-definition.

Countries like Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia have made significant strides in reclaiming their heritage, often through persistent diplomacy and international advocacy. Zimbabwe’s efforts should be seen in this light: as a courageous and principled stand for historical truth and cultural sovereignty.

Of course, the path to repatriation is not without obstacles. Legal complexities, diplomatic sensitivities and logistical challenges must be navigated with care. But these hurdles should not deter us. The value of these archives — culturally, educationally and symbolically — far outweighs the costs of their return. Moreover, the process of repatriation can serve as a platform for constructive dialogue and mutual respect between Zimbabwe and the UK, fostering a more equitable and honest relationship rooted in shared history. That said, the UK should be more considerate and return Zimbabwe’s intellectual heritage without conditions.

Repatriating Zimbabwe’s migrated archives is not just about correcting the wrongs of the past — it is about building a better future. It is about giving our children and grandchildren the tools to understand where they come from, so they can chart a more informed and empowered path forward. It is about ensuring that the stories of our ancestors are told in our own voices, on our own soil.

In reclaiming our archives, we reclaim our history. And in reclaiming our history, we reclaim our future.

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