Episode Details

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is today presiding over a handover ceremony – to mark the repatriation of the last Zimbabwe Soapstone Bird, known as Chapungu, along with ancestral remains, to Zimbabwe. The historic return is understood to be taking place under the instruction of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and is being widely viewed as a significant step toward restoring African cultural dignity and historical justice ahead of Zimbabwe's Independence Day commemorations. The Zimbabwe Bird, carved from a single block of stone at Great Zimbabwe between the 11th and 15th centuries, is one of the most powerful symbols of Zimbabwean identity. It is prominently featured on the national flag and coat of arms, representing resilience, unity, and the legacy of ancient African civilizations. South Africa says the repatriation reflects a broader commitment to work with African nations to ensure that cultural heritage taken during the colonial era is preserved, respected, and ultimately returned to its rightful communities.