In a momentous act of cultural restitution, the South African government has officially repatriated the final remaining Zimbabwe Soapstone Bird and ancestral human remains to the people of Zimbabwe.
The handover ceremony, held at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town this week, brought a definitive end to the 140-year forced journey of the sacred artifact known as Chapungu.
The repatriation arrived at a poignant moment, just days before the country’s Independence Day celebrations, adding profound emotional and symbolic weight to the return.
South Africa’s Sport, Arts and Culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, presided over the ceremony following a direct instruction from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“I have always believed that the soul of a nation lives in its heritage,” McKenzie said during the handover.
He emphasised that the return of these treasures was a vital step in restoring the national story, pride, and dignity of Zimbabwe.
The Soapstone Bird is the country's preeminent national emblem, featuring prominently on both the national flag and the coat of arms.
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Carved centuries ago from single blocks of stone, these sculptures served as the spiritual guardians of Great Zimbabwe between the 11th and 15th centuries.
This specific statue, the last of eight to be returned, was stripped from the ancient city during the period of colonial plunder in the late 19th century.
Taken nearly 140 years ago, it was subsequently sold to the colonialist Cecil John Rhodes.
While several other birds were recovered following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, this final piece remained in South Africa until today.
The South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture described the repatriation as a reaffirmation of the continent's commitment to ensuring African heritage is protected and returned to its rightful communities.
For many, the homecoming of Chapungu is viewed as a triumph of resilience and a long-overdue act of cultural justice.
“The return of objects such as the Zimbabwe Bird is about justice, memory, and healing,” McKenzie said in an official advisory.
The artifact is expected to be transported to Zimbabwe immediately, where it will serve as a centerpiece for the upcoming national festivities.
McKenzie was in Harare on Wednesday where he handed over the artefact to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare.
