Nomination form International Memory of the World Register

Transcription

1 Nomination form International Memory of the World Register Nehanda and Kaguvi mediums judgement dockets (April 1897). Case between State versus Nehanda and Kaguvi spirit mediums leading to their execution Summary (max 200 words) Kaguvi and Nehanda dockets comprises the judgement record, judge Watermeyer`s criminal record book ( ), some manuscripts, pictures of the two mediums chained after their arrest, as well as all the court proceedings. The two were key spirit mediums who inspired Zimbabwean revolution against colonial rule. Kaguvi and Nehanda were prominent mediums who spoke strongly against colonial rule, thereby invoking a spirit of Nationalism into the local people. Under their guidance and leadership, individual chiefdoms were united to resist the colonial wave in what now is remembered as the first Chimurenga (War of liberation) between Because of the role that they played, they were arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to death. The two were executed in 1897 and buried at secret place as a measure to frustrate the war effort. Before her death Nehanda prophesied that her bones would rise, in this she referred to the coming of the second Chimurenga which was to come a century later. This prophesy inspired the second Chimurenga which finally led to the liberation of Zimbabwe. The spiritual guidance of the two mediums was sought during the second Chimurenga. Even to this day Nehanda and Kaguvi are still held with high esteem in Zimbabwe. The material provides an invaluable and unique insight into the intrinsic relation between African politics and traditional religion. They point to a repressive colonial regime that once existed in Zimbabwe and how the black community fought for their rights as human beings. (for further information on the trial, see the last page) 2.0 Nominator 2.1 Name of nominator (person or organization) National Archives of Zimbabwe 2.2 Relationship to the nominated documentary heritage Legal custodian 2.3 Contact person(s) (to provide information on nomination) Mr K. Tonhodzai (Archivist) 2.4 Contact details 1

2 Name Mr K. Tonhodzai Address National Archives of Zimbabwe, P.bag 7729, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone Facsimile archives@archives.gov.zw tonhodzaik@yahoo.com 3.0 Identity and description of the documentary heritage 3.1 Name and identification details of the items being nominated If inscribed, the exact title and institution(s) to appear on the certificate should be given Nehanda and Kaguvi spirit mediums judgement dockets (1897). Case between State versus Nehanda and Kaguvi spirit mediums leading to their execution. 3.4 History/provenance These are National Archives of Zimbabwe archives submitted/ acquired from High Court through the National Archives Act. They were created by the Native Affairs Department, another branch of Internal Affairs which was responsible for the well-being of the black community as well as the day to day running of the protectorate. They are part of the archival documents acquired from the British South African Company. After the dissolution of the Federal Government in 1963, these documents were handed over to the newly born government led by Ian Smith after the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in Legal information 4.1 Owner of the documentary heritage (name and contact details) Name National Archives of Zimbabwe Telephone Address Private Bag 7729 Causeway Harare, Zimbabwe Facsimile archives@archives.gov.zw 4.2 Custodian of the documentary heritage (name and contact details if different from the owner) Name National Archives of Zimbabwe Telephone Address Private Bag 7729 Causeway Harare,Zimbabwe Facsimile archives@archives.gov.zw 2

3 4.3 Legal status National Archives of Zimbabwe Act (1986) empowers National Archives of Zimbabwe to execute the legal custodian responsibility, that is to Acquire, preserve and provide access to the nation s documentary heritage in whatever format and the nominated document is part of the group under NAZ administration. 4.4 Accessibility Anyone willing to access the document do so upon visiting the National Archives of Zimbabwe upon presentation of one s national ID document and a research fee payment of US$1. There is unlimited access to the document and digital copies for a part of this case are available. 4.5 Copyright status National Archives Of Zimbabwe is the legal copyright holder. 5.0 Assessment against the selection criteria 5.1 Authenticity The document is the original signed docket in its original state. 5.2 World significance The world significance of the nominated archives comes in the following: Tangible source of memory - The documents are significant to the world because of their tangibility. These documents and a few photographic prints are the only tangible remains of the two icons of the first ever resistance against imposition of colonial rule in Zimbabwe. Up to the present, no one knows the whereabouts of the remains of these two icons.. As such, these documents provide the world a chance to safeguard their memory. Symbol of resilience against racial intolerance - After the two mediums were captured, they were both sentenced to death, and were executed. These records are also significant as a symbol of the African resistance against colonialism and the fight for black humanity. Colonialism was a worldwide phenomenon that sought to conquer politically, economically, socially and religiously. Among other things, these documents expose religious intolerance that came with colonialism. This can be noted by the act of Father Francis Ritchartz who tried to force conversion of the two icons to Christianity just before they were executed.nehanda refused to be baptized. The document is a testimony of the unjust colonial system that once prevailed in the African continent. Somber as it was, the execution of the two is a symbol of the African fight for their beliefs religiously, economically and politically. 3

4 Rebirth of nationalism - The significance of these documents also comes in the way they inspired the birth of nationalism in Zimbabwe in the 1960s, a spirit that became so contagious in most parts of Africa and spread wildly. The two died for their strong belief in black emancipation, and this spirit was inherited by the nationalists who later on drew inspiration from them and formed political parties to challenge colonial dominance. Just before their execution, Mbuya Nehanda said mapfupa angu achamuka which means my bones shall rise. Here she was foretelling then coming of the second Chimurenga(liberation war struggle). Accounts of the 1896 rebellions and their suppression were described in detail by Terrence Ranger in his book Revolt in Southern Rhodesia. The book became an international bestseller and the author was deported back to Britain by the colonial regime. Regional influence - The birth of nationalism was not just a Zimbabwean phenomenon as it can be spread to other neighboring countries and later on saw the formation of what was called THE FRONTLINE STATES (Botswana, Angola, Lesotho, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) which fought for the political liberation of Southern Africa. Nationalism also saw the birth of African Independent Churches that came to embrace the same values of human freedom.to this day Zimbabwe shows a special attachment to its past in the quest for national identity and cultural nationalism. This is evidenced by the renaming of roads, buildings and hospital wards after independence after the two icons. Unifying tribes - To the outside world, the story of the two spirit mediums will always play an important role of demonstrating the crucial role of African traditional religion in politics. These documents will always stand as a symbol of the unifying effect of traditional religion. Traditional religion managed to cut across ethnic and tribal boundaries and rallied the black community towards one cause: black freedom. Gender politics- The documents will always be a reference point in recognizing and celebrating early participation of women in African politics. Charwe(Nehanda), the female medium became one of the key leading influential woman in Zimbabwean politics to date. It was no wonder when Zimbabwe appointed Joice Mujuru, to be the first female vice president a decade ago, an appointment which was unique during that period in the whole of Southern Africa. The documents illustrate the suppression of the first ever organised resistance against Cecil John Rhodes` British South African Company in Southern Africa and the subsequent result of such a daring act to the black community. This first ever resistance against colonial rule in the 19 th Century continues to inspire Zimbabwean politics as demonstrated by its resistance to what it now terms as neo-colonialism today. The arrest and execution of these two vanguard spirit mediums gives an insight into the intrinsic relation between African politics and traditional religion. The heritage is unique in the sense that it is the only record of this important event in the nation and the world at large. It is an irreplaceable record that has greatly impacted on Zimbabwean politics as well as African nationalism as the spirit was fostered in other nations leading to African independence. To this day the figure of Nehanda and Kaguvi echoes liberation memory and constitutes part of Pan- Africanism. The document is a testimony of the unjust colonial system that once prevailed in the African continent. It is a clear demonstration of how the colonial system dealt with insurgences not only in Zimbabwe but in other African states as well as demonstrated 4

5 by the arrest of other revolutionary leaders in other countries like Nelson Mandela in South Africa. 5.3 Comparative criteria: 1 Time The document evokes memory of Zimbabwean primary resistance movements and the heroic acts of some African leaders (both traditional and religious) in this fight for liberation. The 1897 judgement against Nehanda and Kaguvi marked the commencement of a different political, economic and to a lesser extent social life controlled by the minority (settlers). It is a reminiscent of the times of the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe and Africa as well as the changing socio-political environment. The document exposes some of the happenings of the colonial era. It also marked a watershed in the way the colonial masters dealt with rebellions. Unlike in the old times, the colonial masters decided to annihilate the uprisings by targeting its centre of gravity: traditional leaders. These documents illustrate a turning point in the history of black resistance against colonialism. When the first settlers (Pioneer column) arrived in the country, they imposed their opinion on the black mass unchallenged. They started introducing repressive laws, undermining traditional authority and discriminated the local community. The first Chimurenga (war of liberation) marked the first ever organised resistance against the white settlers. 2 Place The execution of these two prominent leaders and the progressive nature of the resistance in Southern Rhodesia influenced the later administration of the British protectorate in Southern Africa. Southern Rhodesia was to later become the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. It reflects on the unjust colonial system that once existed in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole. Colonialism is one vice that once swept across the whole African platform. In an effort to challenge this entity, many patriotic sons and daughters of Africa lost their lives. This nominated record is a clear testimony of the past colonial systems and how it dealt with those who opposed its hegemony. 3 People It points out the lives of National Spiritual icons during the liberation struggle and reflects on political developments of the colonial era in Southern Rhodesia towards African (Zimbabwean) independence. It forms the basis of the nation s current traditional beliefs. It also demonstrates the reluctance of the British minority at that time to cohabit peacefully with the Black majority. The documents also illustrate the triumph of black rights over the colonial system. Even though the war was lost, the first resistance will always tell a story of a people who fought for their natural birth-right (land) as well as their rights as human beings. 5

6 4 Subject and theme The subject matter represents historical developments in Zimbabwean politics and it reflects the ideology of colonial masters as well as African spiritual beliefs and the link between tradition and politics. Intellectually, the subject has generated interest from scholars as they discussed the aspect of African politics, the development of nationalism in Zimbabwe and the role of spirit mediums in the Zimbabwean politics even to date. The subject also sheds light on the unjust judicial system that once prevailed alongside colonialism. The main reason these political and religious leaders were arrested was because of their bravery in challenging the unjust colonial system. The whole trial was unjust in the sense that the two spirit mediums were unrepresented in the court. The whole system was a blow to the black race 5 Form and style 6 Social/ spiritual/ community significance: The records are emotionally attached to Zimbabweans and Africans today as they still revere the deaths passed by the judgement and rituals are still conducted in celebration of the lives of these fallen heroes who selflessly dedicated and lost their lives for the liberation of the country as a whole. The above nominated documents have a significant bearing on the course of the country and its people culturally and politically. In memory of these fallen heroes, the government has set August as the month to commemorate heroes. In doing so, a day is set aside in August as a national holiday and it s marked by celebrations at the national shrine, National Heroes Acre where all the people gather and addressed by the President. Current generation draw inspiration and courage in the lives and death of the two. Source of Indigenous Knowledge System. Most of the country`s indigenous knowledge systems are derived from the belief in our traditional customs. The two icons were a symbol of our tradition and what it stands for. Zimbabwe`s indigenous knowledge system is anchored around virtues like purity, equality and fairness Gender politics- The documents will always be a reference point in recognizing and celebrating early participation of women in African politics. Charwe, the female medium became one of the key leading influential woman in Zimbabwean politics to date. Drawing inspiration from that, most women today have grabbed key top posts even in governance. This made it easier when Zimbabwe had its first female vice-president 10 years ago. It was from the inspiration they got from Nehanda. Cultural identity. Zimbabweans always draw a sense of belonging from these two mediums. Cultural identity is a key factor In every African community. Currently, the country still holds dearly its cultural beliefs and the names of the two mediums are always a source of key inspiration. Even during the 1960s during the war of liberation, freedom fighters always consulted African religious leaders and some places are considered as sacred due to their cultural significance. These places are now under the custodian of National Museums and Monuments. Unifying tribes - To the outside world, the story of the two spirit mediums will always play an important role of demonstrating the crucial role of African traditional religion in politics. These documents will always stand as a symbol of the unifying effect of traditional religion. Traditional religion managed to cut across ethnic and tribal boundaries and rallied the black 6

7 community towards one cause: black freedom. Zimbabwe is now a unified country despite its diverse tribes. This is because of the unifying power of its traditional beliefs. Traditional leaders are now held in high esteem as they stand for our cultural belonging. 6.0 Contextual information 6.1 Rarity It is the only testimony of the judgement passed. 6.2 Integrity It is the complete account of the arrest, trial and execution of the two spirit mediums. 7