Deputy Minister Moraka on SA returning Zimbabwe's Soapstone Bird and Ancestral Human Remains

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka, joined Minister Gayton McKenzie in Zimbabwe for the historic repatriation of the last Zimbabwe Soapstone Bird (Chapungu), together with ancestral human remains. Her presence at this important ceremony underscores South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the return of African cultural heritage taken during the colonial era. The Zimbabwe Bird, carved at Great Zimbabwe between the 11th and 15th centuries, remains a powerful symbol of identity, resilience, and unity for the people of Zimbabwe. As Zimbabwe approaches its Independence Day commemorations, this moment stands as a significant step toward restoring dignity, honouring history, and reaffirming the shared heritage of the African continent.