Ndau Festival director unveils Marine Museums package ahead of world tourism expo

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

Phillip Kusasa, the founder and director of the Ndau Festival of the Arts, has introduced an innovative concept; marine museums, in preparation for the upcoming Sanganai Hlanganani Kumbanai World Tourism Expo. The event will be held in Mutare from September 10 to 12 this year. 

Marine museums are special institutions focused on preserving, displaying, and educating people about maritime heritage. They highlight the rich ecosystems of inland waters, traditional fishing practices, and underwater archaeology, while also showcasing the deep cultural connections communities have with rivers and ongoing conservation efforts. 

In an interview with this publication, Kusasa emphasised that marine museums should be recognised as vital parts of indigenous heritage. 

“Africa must take the lead in shaping new ideas that can shift global perspectives about indigenous communities. For too long, these communities have been seen as stagnant, but the truth is, our connection to rivers spans centuries.

“African water systems have safeguarded our natural resources, heritage, and food supplies. The conservation practices surrounding our waters are, in themselves, living museums,” he said. 

Kusasa challenged the traditional view of museums as mere buildings housing artifacts.

“Our water systems sustain life. They are our museums. We want tourists to visit our communities in Chikore (Chipinge) to witness firsthand how we’ve preserved our heritage through these marine museums,” he added. 

Kusasa’s vision aims at redefining cultural preservation, blending ecology, tradition, and tourism in a way that celebrates Africa’s indigenous wisdom.