Johnsias Mutonhori recently in Egypt

THEY say history plays a pivotal role in shaping the future, and everything in the present can be traced back to our past. This idea resonates deeply across cultures; our religion, customs, beliefs, values and norms are all woven from the threads of history.

A great past breeds a great future, while the opposite can be just as true.
In the heart of Africa, this connection is palpable; identity is the word that encapsulates it all. People identify themselves through their history, and this pattern is a global phenomenon.

Perhaps this is why Pan-Africanists are so fervent in their fight against imperialism in all its forms — a battle to protect our heritage, our identity and ultimately, our future.

Citadel of Qaitbay

Come with me on my 21-day visit to Egypt, joining 22 fellow African journalists for a media training programme interwoven with tours of Cairo’s ancient and modern marvels.

Our first common yearning? The pyramids.

Pyramids of Giza

“I hope we’re going to have a trip to the pyramids,” one colleague mused before our itinerary was revealed.

It was time for lunch, and we sat grouped like ants around a table, each eager to learn about the others. The conversation, though initially hesitant, quickly ignited when the word pyramids echoed through our gathering.

Suddenly, I understood: these monumental structures are not just an attraction; they are the very face of Egypt.

Back home, as soon as I announced that I had touched down in Egypt, friends were quick to urge me to visit the pyramids of Giza. I was ready for that long before I left Zimbabwe, having set aside a budget for the experience; little did I know that the organisers of the trip had already arranged a visit to these majestic structures.

What is it about the pyramids of Giza that stirs the soul? These colossal edifices, built around 2560 BCE, reflect the power of the pharaohs and serve as timeless religious symbols.

They were constructed not merely as tombs but as grand tributes to the rulers of ancient Egypt. Their sheer size speaks to the monumental workforce, meticulous planning, and advanced engineering knowledge that characterised ancient African civilisations.

Inside the Roman Catholic Church

As I stood before these towering giants, my mind drew parallels between their architectural grandeur — albeit for different purposes — and the Great Zimbabwe ruins. I turned to Queenin Masuabi, a South African colleague, who had become a close pal during my stay.

“Have you heard of the Great Zimbabwe ruins?” I asked, only to be met with a bemused look.

Clearly, the historical significance of that site was not lost on her.

Our exploration didn’t end with the pyramids.

We also visited the Citadel of Qaitbay during a trip to Alexandria, where the Mediterranean Sea kissed the shore. The Citadel, built in classic Mamluk style with robust limestone walls, served as a defensive bastion against invasions.

Despite my claustrophobia, I found myself wandering through its ancient halls, overwhelmed by the weight of history.

Yet, one defining element sets Egypt apart from other nations: its architecture. The buildings — residential, commercial and monumental — are grand and elongated, leaving little room for the humble structures we often encounter elsewhere.

“Is there anything like a small structure in Egypt?” I wondered aloud.
As we returned from a lecture at the American University in Cairo, Queenin, now a pen pal, leaned in and whispered,

“I guess from ancient times, these people have been obsessed with building big.”

Her observation resonated as our bus navigated through interchanges reminiscent of Harare’s Trabablas interchange, showcasing the sprawling urban landscape.

Cairo, a metropolis with an estimated population of 23 million, occupies a compact 453 square kilometres, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

The streets pulse with life, day and night and businesses thrive around the clock.
“We made sure our people have apartments to reside in,” Ambassador Ahmed Haggag explained during our visit to the Organisation of African Cities in Cairo.

We realised the over-stretched buildings are not built for show, but in response to a growing population in the capital of Egypt.

Chatting about Egypt’s Vision 2030, I realised that Zimbabwe shares a similar aspiration: the concept of smart cities.

This ambition has birthed New Cairo, a modern administrative city that stands in striking contrast to its historical predecessor.

Old Cairo

But the spirit of identity persists. In New Cairo, the structures are equally impressive, reflecting a symbolic connection between the old and the new. While modern designs grace the skyline, they also echo the architectural heritage of their ancestors.

Among the highlights of New Cairo is the magnificent Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture that could easily rival any five-star hotel. Its grand dome and soaring minarets beckon visitors, while the intricate interior design, adorned with lavish chandeliers, transforms it into a centre for worship and a tourist attraction alike.

As I strolled outside, hawkers offered traditional Egyptian crafts. I bought a ring adorned with a crown as a souvenir.

Nearby, the largest Roman Catholic temple stands as a testament to Egypt’s religious diversity, bridging the gap between Islam and Christianity.

“This mosque could’ve been a five-star hotel,” remarked Al-Mustapha, a mate from Nigeria, as he admired the opulent interior.

The Arabian woman who was serving as a tour guide overheard that, and she just smiled, as everyone was looking at the gold-coated wonders around the inside of the mosque.

New Cairo is a breath of fresh air, bustling with commerce and modernity, yet it retains a sense of purpose.

“New Cairo is our smart city, designed for administration,” Ambassador Haggag explained.

“We have streets for banks, streets for embassies, and many other administrative functions.

“We also have villas, which are modern residences for our people. The project began in 2017 and is now fully operational.”

My fellow journalists listened, captivated by this vision. I smiled as I realised Zimbabwe is forging towards the same vision.

As we relaxed at the rooftop bar along the River Nile, enjoying ID beer — which was new to us — a few days before we said goodbye to the treasure trove of ancient history, Queenin articulated a shared sentiment:

“Africa has great potential, and amazing things are happening here. As journalists, we need to amplify our stories against white hegemony.”

That sentiment resonated with all of us, a consensus born from the 61st training course for young African journalists in Egypt.