Zim to remain UNESCO’s regional hub

IN a major diplomatic milestone, Zimbabwe has been chosen to continue hosting the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) regional office for Southern Africa and Government has immediately called for the strengthening of the human resource capacity to complement the current staff which serves nine countries.

The nine countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.

Speaking at the 42nd UNESCO General Assembly here in Paris, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Dr Beaullar Chirume said: “We commend UNESCO for selecting Zimbabwe to host the Regional Office of Southern Africa (ROSA). However we implore UNESCO to strengthen the Human Resources capacity by increasing the staff complement from the current 2 officers who serve 9 countries.”

She said, the country supports preservation and access of documentary heritage and has embarked on a countrywide establishment of Community Archives in Promoting this Recommendation.

“Zimbabwe currently has established eight Community Archives. However, funding is required for monitoring and evaluation, procurement of requisite equipment and improvements on preservations and capacitation of beneficiaries.

“Zimbabwe has also embarked on digitization of delineation reports (Chieftainship reports). Four out of the county’s 66 districts have been covered so far.

“However, inadequate digitization equipment has hindered the rollover of the project in a swift mood.”

She said, Zimbabwe was bridging the heritage gap by recording oral history to capture liberation war heritage, under-documented cultures, as well as contemporary issues.

“Content in major local languages is available on the net.

“The Constitution recognises sixteen local languages. More work still needs to be done to have all languages available. Efforts have been made to develop software programmes for learning local languages.”

Dr Chirume said, Government was working in support of access to information and freedom of expression.

“Zimbabwe has reviewed the media environment and licenced new language-based community radio stations.

These community radio stations have revitalised indigenous languages and cultures. Zimbabwe appreciates the financial and technical support by UNESCO towards the community radio stations in particular installation of early warning disaster alert system for Chimanimani.”