Victoria Falls welcomed United Nations Special Rapporteur Alexandra Xanthaki on Tuesday as part of her ongoing visit to Zimbabwe to learn more about how communities protect, practise and express their culture.

Xanthaki, the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights, began her countrywide fact-finding mission on 28 September. Her journey has taken her to several important cultural and heritage sites, including Binga, the San community, the Matopos and Khami Ruins, before reaching Victoria Falls.
During her visit, she met Victoria Falls City Council leadership, led by Deputy Mayor Alderman Rich Mguni, as well as traditional leaders, residents, conservationists and people from the private sector.

According to Victoria Falls City council press statement,the discussions gave those living and working in the city an opportunity to share their experiences and explain how culture shapes life in Victoria Falls.
Although the city is internationally known for tourism and the Mosi oa Tunya, or Victoria Falls, it is also home to people from different backgrounds, languages and traditions.

This makes questions around cultural identity particularly important for the community.

To the residents, cultural rights can affect everyday issues such as access to heritage, the preservation of traditions, opportunities for artists and young people, and the ability of communities to maintain their identity while the city continues to grow as a major tourism centre.

Xanthaki’s visit is part of a wider programme that includes meetings with government ministries and agencies responsible for areas including culture, tourism, education, justice, local government, youth development, traditional leadership and heritage.
She is also engaging organisations such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Gender Commission, National Archives, National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Youth Council and Parliamentary committees dealing with culture, education and heritage.