national trust zimbabwe
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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”. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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: [email protected]
Copies of my business card are available
“Heritage is precious: treasure it”