Abstract:
This paper engages with the issue of predatory academics who through the need for patents
and discoveries have become voracious cannibals that have carried out research in local
communities and in the process have plundered not only the local cultural goods of the
communities but also their faith in academics. It argues that in an effort to get a scoop for
themselves and their universities, some academics have in actual fact created a poisoned
chalice. The paper notes that the atmosphere has in addition become soured by greed such
that scholars are more interested in perceived windfalls that may come their way if they are to
successfully come up with major discoveries, especially in the areas of medicinal flora and
fauna. This has seen communities not being prepared to share knowledge relating to cultural
goods that are under their custody because previous academic visitors have extracted
knowledge from them but they have not seen themselves benefitting. The paper thus posits
that such rapacious and grasping behaviour by some academics is a threat to the safeguarding
and promotion of cultural heritage since some people have now become sceptical in engaging
with some of these dons. In addition to the need to honestly engage communities, the paper
also laments that fact that academic institutions in Zimbabwe are a disjointed lot that is in
competition with one another instead of embracing the cooperative spirit that is informed by
ubuntu/unhu, and not the umbimbindoga (go it alone) syndrome. It as well submits the
argument that institutions of higher learning, government arms like National Archives and
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe also need to work together as well as with
those in industry to explore ways of extracting maximum benefits from Zimbabwe’s heritage in all its manifestations and in the process explore ways of safeguarding and enhancing its
value.
