Zimbabwe’s treasured monuments are deteriorating, making the need for skilled restoration crucial. Joby, through his noble initiative dubbed 1MillionZimStones, has a significant vision to identify and restore monuments across Zimbabwe. His passion lies in reviving, restoring, regenerating, and repurposing materials, particularly stone, in historic monuments. In addition to his restoration work, Joby creates unique spaces using stone, primarily aimed at enhancing tourism and travel experiences.
Wheatley explains that 1MillionZimStones aims to revive the ancient art of stone monument construction, the very monuments that gave Zimbabwe its name. His projects in the UK, which were the first ancient-style monuments built in 5000 years, showcase this initiative. These structures serve as models for potential clients interested in commissioning similar projects, whether small garden domes or larger multi-domed structures, including all-stone churches for both religious and social purposes.
Joby is dedicated to training young people interested in stone masonry, offering apprenticeships and knowledge transfer through workshops. These apprentices will gain hands-on experience while restoring important monuments. One such monument is the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, which has been deteriorating for years. Joby’s 1MillionZimStones initiative aims to preserve this significant historic site, safeguarding Zimbabwe’s heritage. With support from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), successful apprentices may receive formal qualifications.
Speaking to Elevation News, Wheatley emphasised the importance of using the showpiece monuments as training grounds for Zimbabwe’s next generation of elite masons. Once qualified, these masons will be capable of restoring existing monuments in disrepair, such as Naletale or Great Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe currently lacks sufficient skilled masons, leading to reliance on foreign talent for restoration projects.
The long-term goal is training a new generation of stonemasons through apprenticeship programme, ensuring a steady supply of skilled tradespeople. The apprenticeship program aims to elevate the standard of stonework in Zimbabwe, positioning the country at the forefront of world-class stonework and making it a regional leader. Wheatley envisions Zimbabwean stonemasons becoming some of the best globally, given adequate support. His extensive portfolio and designs, if commissioned, will instill pride in Zimbabweans by creating functional monuments that serve as gathering places for various purposes, enhancing the country’s cultural landscape and heritage.
For more information, contact Joby on his X page, Joby R.J Wheatley or search for @Joygunner1987