The Government has apologised removing the shield emblem at Bulawayo’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
The Nguni shield symbol was removed on May 5 and replaced with government’s court of arms.
In a statement on Wednesday, Transport minister Felix Mhona said:the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) continues to carry out its mandate of ensuring proper signage at all airports.
“Signage at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport was done as a temporary measure following the upgrading of the airport and its commissioning in 2013, the architect, Studio Arts, came up with a number of designs for the airport signage”
“Consultations were done with the Nkomo Family Trust, culture practitioners within the region, CAAZ, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Cabinet on the matter. There has, however, been concern by stakeholders on the poor quality and workmanship of the temporary signage since 2015.”
People interpreted the removal of the sheild as disrespect to their Ndebele culture and symbols.
