NATIONAL TRUST ZIMBABWE

INTO CONFERENCE Entebbe, Uganda, October 2013

“Cultural Diversity for Responsible Development”Unlocking our diverse potential

The National Trust of Zimbabwe: “Our experiences and some lessons learnt”

“Heritage is precious: treasure it”

This presentation covers the following issues:

NTZ - History and Background;

NTZ – Experiences: National Environment and Financial/Operational issues;

Challenges and Lesson Learnt; and

Ethnic diversity and the future.

NTZ - History & Background

Origins and legal form

Operational structures

Current properties and services offered

Origins and Legal Form

Origins – justification and deemed necessity in 1960

Legal form ◦ NTZ - Act of Parliament

CHAPTER 25:12 NATIONAL TRUST ACTActs 23/1960, 24/l962 (s. 2), 37/1963, 32/1964, 82/1964, 57/1972

( s.34), 37/1977 (s. 22), 41/1978 (s. 34), 12/1982; R.G.N.s 801/1963, 214/1964, 217/1970, 923/1972; 22/2001 (s. 4); S.Is 566/1979, 236/1980.

◦ Council of Trustees

Operational structures

NTZ: ◦ Council◦ “Head Office” – secretarial, treasury & membership

functions

Sub-Committees:◦ Regional/Site Committees (every property/project)◦ Specific – Marketing, Financial, Media

“KISS” principles

Current properties and services offered  Fort Gomo Kadzamu, Penhalonga La Rochelle Estate, Imbeza Valley, Penhalonga Mabukuwene, Bulawayo Murahwa’s Hill, Mutare Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition, Rhodes Nyanga

National Park Sebakwe Poort, Kwekwe Worlds View, Nyanga

La Rochelle (our “flagship”)

A leading Professor of Architecture described it as follows:

“La Rochelle is a rare example in Africa of a major early Modern Movement (in architectural terms) private house, and almost unique in Zimbabwe, given the quality of its architectural detailing and of its interior decoration, especially in the Fantasia room and the Peacock cottage.” 

La Rochelle

First impressions – colonial architecture/history Digging deeper – Courtauld’s social responsibility and

development initiatives Community – future benefits/opportunities in line with

Courtauld’s vision and commitment

Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition

First impressions – colonial architecture/history

Digging deeper – Community/Education – future benefits

Worlds View, Nyanga

First impressions – place of beauty for tourists

Digging deeper – Community employment and commercial activities

Murahwa’s Hill , Mutare

First impressions – just a place of beauty for tourists

Digging deeper – Community, Environmental, Education – future benefits

Mabukuwene, Bulawayo

Fort Gomo, Kadzamu, Penhalonga

Sebakwe Poort, Kwekwe

Services Offered

NTZ membership:◦ Free entrance to NT properties worldwide that have

reciprocity with NTZ;◦ Free entrance to NTZ properties in Zimbabwe;◦ Quarterly Newsletter;◦ Smart partnerships - Discounted tickets at Theatre; Free

entry to National Galleries; Discounted Photographic Studio Sessions

Services Offered (cont.)Properties:Environmental – Birding, Indigenous trees/fauna/flora, Aloes/Orchids, different species of butterflies, beetles, moths and dragonflies, woodland/mountain walksTourism - Accommodation, Event hosting (small conferences, weddings or company retreats), camping and caravanning, existence of the only Braille trail in Zimbabwe, for the enjoyment of partially blind people to experience nature.Education - Historical - Exhibitions of Manyika African culture, early European contacts, fallen heroes and tribal chiefs and Viewing historical sites i.e. the Ziwa Iron Age settlement

Experiences

Financial implications of bequeathed/donated properties

The effects of an economic meltdown

The effects of sustained political uncertainty

The absence of business acumen and vision

The lack of demographic representation - internal & external

The low profile and incorrect public perceptions

Challenges

The rebuilding & sustainability process – “back to business”

Re-focussing for the long term future - “all inclusive”

Funding for refurbishment and development towards long term sustainability

Resources/skills for bankable proposals/management plans

Marketing and PR skills – to raise profile, address incorrect perceptions and expand membership and operations

Lessons learntFinancial

Business approach to all NTZ’s affairs/responsibilitiesFunding - economic viability/sustainability (NTZ & every site/project)Skills – use volunteer professional services & internsResources – work with INTO/Global Heritage/other NGO’s

OperationalRegister a National Trust or not? YESStructure/operations - KISS principleGood communications essential – internal & externalValue for money – members and publicEmpower local committees –passionate/committed to local projectsPlace of business/point of contact/centralised records

Lessons learnt (cont.)Operating Environment

Colonial/elitist perceptions – PR/marketing/”All Inclusive” Periodic reassessment of NTZ aims & objectivesDemographic representation (starting with local communities)Community focus (not property focussed) Overall aim – service to the local community in addition to the

publicWork with local community leaders/chiefsEducation – major future opportunityUse media wisely/effectivelyDevelop smart partnershipsHelp inform the public of the importance of “heritage”

Ethnic Diversity

NTZ has yet to achieve this important priority Community based projects will encourage local leaders’

involvement/commitment Provide services/benefits to the local community Become and remain “relevant” – focused strategies/plans Expand individual & corporate membership base Seek community service minded business leaders Work closer with NMMCZ Embrace “Cultural Diversity for Responsible Development”

Current Activities – plans for the futureTheme – “Back to Business”

NTZ:◦Strategic marketing plan (5 years)◦Business strategies (5 years)◦Financial/operational management plans (1 year)

Properties:◦Financial/operational management and development plans for every site (1 year)◦Bankable proposals for development funding◦Refurbishment, development and sustainable operations implemented

Other◦Smart partnerships – NMMCZ, History Society (Heritage Houses), Environmental Clubs, Arts & Culture Associations & Educational Institutions

Thank you for attending this presentation and for your attention!

Questions/Comments?

Should you wish to contact the NTZ our email address is: ntzimbabwe@gmail.com

Copies of my business card are available

“Heritage is precious: treasure it”