What is NMMZ?
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ ) is Zimbabwe's premier heritage organization established under an Act of Parliament; The National Museums and Monuments of Rhodesia Act (1972) which is now called the National Museums and Monuments Act (Chapter 25:11). NMMZ is a Parastatal, funded through grant by Central Government and falling under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Act established a Board of Trustees to provide for the establishment and administration of museums' and to provide for the preservation of ancient, historical and natural monuments, relics and other objects of historical or scientific value or interest.
It is a requirement of the Act that the Board of Trustees meet three times every year and this takes place both at Regional level with the Trustees from that particular Region and at national level with all Trustees. National management forums are held three times a year before the Board of Trustees meet. The Board of Trustees reports to the Minister of Home Affairs.
Vision Statement
"A society inspired by a well-preserved heritage by 2030"
To manage products and services that promote an understanding and appreciation of Zimbabwe’s diverse heritage.
• Integrity
• Team work
• Impartiality
• Excellence
• Accountability
i. To administer museums and national monuments.
ii. To provide for the preservation and protection of monuments, relics specimens and other objects of historical or scientific value or interest.
iii. To document, preserve and present Zimbabwe Liberation Heritage
iv. To investigate and report upon any matter relating to any monument or relic, including the desirability of declaring any monument to be a national monument
v. To compile and keep a register of all national monuments and of any relics that it has acquired or that have been brought to its notice.
vi. To prohibit unauthorized excavation of monuments
vii. To promote community involvement in heritage management
viii. To regulate impact of development activities on heritage
ix. To conduct original research in human and natural sciences
x. To promote awareness, learning and enjoyment
xi. To safeguard the intangible aspect of cultural heritage
i. National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:11]
ii. Protected Places and Areas Act [Chapter 11:12]
Funding
Funding is principally in the form of Recurrent and Capital (Public Sector Investment Programme-PSIP) Budgets from the Ministry of Finance via the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
The organisation generates its own resources principally from entrance fees to sites and museums. Further resources are generated through the sale of publications, consultancy fees, filming, accommodation and auditorium hire and investments. Recognition must also be given to donors who fund special projects, which make a significant contribution to the achievement of the objectives of the organisation.
These donors include the Government of France, MS Zimbabwe, The Beit Trust, New Zealand Aid and the Government of Germany. NMMZ welcomes financial and technical support from any other interested parties.