Story by mercy Bofu
ZIMBABWEANS have been called upon to embrace the national dress fabric which plays an important role in the preservation of national values and cultural heritage.
Following the launch of the inaugural cultural night by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in which the national dress was showcased, women under the Young Women for ED banner have started promoting the fabric across the country.
They started in Masvingo where a national fabric dinner was held.
Guest of Honor at the event, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Honorable Babra Rwodzi challenged the citizenry to embrace the national fabric saying it carries with it national pride, unity, and identity.
“When the fabric was launched, the whole idea was for us to identify ourselves as Zimbabweans, to be proud of who we are. Let us also conceptualise our apparel as more than just a form of identity. It must be a bridge, joining communities with the uniqueness of their heritage,” she said.
Young Women for Economic Development paid tribute to the First Lady Dr Mnangagwa for promoting Zimbabwean identity through the national dress.
“We are supporting the idea of our Amai the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. We are saying as young people we need to be proud of our culture and appreciate our identity. Our First Lady is always teaching us to be proud of who we are, work for ourselves and our families hence we are supporting her initiatives,” noted the national chairperson Young Women for Economic Development, Honorable Tatenda Mavetera.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honorable Ezra Chadzamira pledged to continue supporting programs that promote the country’s cultural values.
“As a province we are happy to host this event which promotes our culture. We have seen a number of programmes that promote our values as Zimbabweans especially those spearheaded by our First Lady,” he said.
The event was spiced up by a modelling contest, which designers, and models from Masvingo’s seven districts gave guests a glimpse into evening, cultural, corporate, and casual wear made from the national fabric. The national fabric encompasses national symbols such as the Zimbabwe Bird, the National Flag, and the Chevron pattern.