- By Princess Eugene Majuru
The recent momentum in Zimbabwe to rename schools and landmarks bearing colonial legacies marks a profound shift in the nation’s socio-political consciousness. For decades, the nomenclature of educational institutions and geographical features acted as a “silent curriculum,” subtly reinforcing a colonial hierarchy by immortalizing figures who spearheaded the disenfranchisement of the indigenous population. The current move to replace these names is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is a vital act of sovereign reclamation.
The Shift from Colonial Shadows to Living Legacies
While early renaming efforts naturally prioritized the “old heroes”—the foundational architects of the liberation struggle—there is a burgeoning intellectual and cultural demand to broaden the definition of a “hero.” A nation’s identity is not static; it is a living tapestry woven from the achievements of its sports icons, artists, and traditional custodians.
Cultural and Artistic Icons: Figures like Oliver Mtukudzi and Thomas Mapfumo provided the rhythmic heartbeat of Zimbabwean resilience. Their names on institutions would serve as a permanent reminder that culture is a frontline of defense for national identity.
Sporting Legends: The inclusion of names such as Peter Ndlovu, Julia Sakala Abel Chimukoko, Themba Gorimbo, Derek Chisora, Nechironga, Moses Chunga, Memory Mucherahohwa, Francis Shonhai, Lloyd Mutasa, Khama Billiat Kirsty Coventry, and Byron Black acknowledges that excellence on the world stage is a form of modern-day heroism. These individuals shifted the global perception of Zimbabwe, proving that sovereignty is also expressed through physical and strategic mastery.
Media and Intellect: Analysts and communicators like Charles Mabika Stanley Katsande, or Reuben Barwe represent the power of the African voice in shaping the national narrative.
Ancestral Sovereignty and the Land
Central to this decolonization process is the recognition of Ancestral Land Sovereignty. The colonial project began with the erasure of indigenous titles; therefore, completion of the process requires the restoration of names belonging to the original stewards of the soil.
The mention of the Mbari clan and the Shumba Gurundoro totem highlights a critical missing link in previous renaming phases: the pre-colonial history of the land. Before Harare was a colonial administrative center, it was the domain of King Mbari. Acknowledging names like Nehoreka, Sanyanga, and Makombe reintegrates the deep-time history of the region into the modern state, bridging the gap between the ancestors and the contemporary citizen.
Priority Landmarks: The Case for Victoria Falls and Beyond
The feature of the “Priority List” addresses the most visible remnants of the British Empire
Current Name Historical/Cultural Context Potential Path for Change
Victoria Falls Named after a British Monarch; originally Mosi-oa-Tunya. Restoring the indigenous name acknowledges the “Smoke that Thunders” as a natural wonder belonging to the Zambezi’s people.
Charles Prince Airport Named after a colonial-era aviator. Opportunity to honor a pioneer of indigenous aviation or a local hero of the air.
Mount Hampden A site of significant colonial encampment history. Renaming would symbolize the final dismantling of the “Pioneer Column” legacy.
The decolonization of names is a precursor to the decolonization of the mind. By changing the name of a school, the state changes the environment in which a child’s self-worth is formed. When a student attends a school named after a Moses Chunga or a Julia Sakala, they see a reflection of their own potential rather than a distant, imposed history.
However, for this process to be truly transformative, it must:
Be Inclusive: It must reach beyond political figures to include the “sovereign custodians” of traditional heritage.
Be Educational: The renaming should be accompanied by updated curricula that explain why these new names were chosen.
Be Pan-African: As Zimbabwe leads, it sets a blueprint for other African nations to audit their own landscapes and reclaim their linguistic and historical dignity.
Zimbabwe’s path toward toponymic decolonization is a bold assertion of independence. By weaving together the names of traditional royalty, liberation icons, and modern-day legends, the nation is creating a map that finally looks like its people. The work of decolonization is long, but as the names of the ancestors and the heroes of today rise to the surface, the “sovereign nation” moves closer to its true self.
Colonial school name changes
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