Chronicle EditorSikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO councilors have resolved to dump the colonial mayoral gown and replace it with a new one that resonates and resembles the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Internationally acclaimed youthful fashion designer and founder of Ganu Designs has already been identified to spearhead the creation of the new gown.
For years, the city’s mayoral regalia has consisted of a red robe trimmed with black velvet and a mock sable fur worn with lace frill, a hat and gold chains.
The ceremonial insignia has been worn since at least the 14th century, whether under the hot October sun or the freezing winter cold.
It is an English tradition dating back to the reign of Edward Ill when livery companies, which were heads of civic districts, assumed a distinctive uniform type of dress.
According to research, livery companies and in turn the municipal corporation, arose out of the merchant and craft industries of the towns, as these possessed both wealth and property and had the organisational and administrative ability and potential
It is this connection and the dominance of livery members in local affairs and administration that the familiar robes owe their origin.
In 1960, the two outfits for the Bulawayo mayor and town clerk arrived from England, costing £240,19 (about $482) and were expected to last at least 50 years.
But following the country’s independence and the ushering in of Bulawayo’s first black mayor, Naison Ndlovu, the mayoral regalia stuck on.
It has never changed since and many find it as some form of colonial hangover.
According to the latest council meeting, the city’s town clerk Mr Christopher Dube told council that the City of Bulawayo had over the years been getting repeated calls from the members of the public to change its mayoral gown so that it resonated and resembled the City’s local culture.
“It was noted that in order to do so, there would be a need to engage designers who could work with the municipality to design the new mayoral gown.
It was noted that the mayoral gown was of heavy material and tended to be very hot in the summer or hot seasons. A Summer mayoral gown would ensure comfort during the City’s civic functions held in hot months while a winter mayoral gown would also ensure warmth and comfort during the winter months,” said Mr Dube.
Online Reporter