Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in Chiredzi
A sea of colourful doeks and neatly wrapped zambias transformed Masvingo Province into a vibrant showcase of womanhood as First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa brought her transformative Doek Drive to the province, promoting dignity, respect and cultural pride among women.
The event, which drew multitudes of cheerful women across the province of different ages, religious sects, community leaders, among others, was more than the launch of the provincial chapter of the Doek Drive.
It celebrated values rooted in modesty, honour and self-respect, a firm declaration that Zimbabwean culture remains alive and cherished.
Uswaushava Primary School was packed with people, while the atmosphere remained electric throughout the event, punctuated by captivating Shangaan songs and dances that highlighted the uniqueness and significance of the culture, keeping the crowd enthralled.
Amid the festivities, elderly women proudly received doeks, zambias, inner wear, including petticoats, blankets and groceries, turning the gathering into a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
At the heart of the programme spreading nationwide was the iconic doek and zambia, simple yet powerful symbols of respect, identity and pride among African women.
Pregnant women were also not left out, as they received preparation kits, bringing smiles and renewed hope as the First Lady extended her warm hand of support to mothers-to-be.
Smiles, laughter and even tears of gratitude characterised the event as recipients expressed appreciation for a gesture they said restored hope and dignity.
In a complementary gesture that went beyond clothing to uplift the vulnerable, including child-headed families and those with disabilities, attendees went home with goodies including groceries, mealie-meal and brand-new clothes.
ZiG-branded merchandise, including zambias, T-shirts, caps, among other materials, was also distributed by the First Lady to guests, who commended the currency for its continued stability and positive impact on the economy.
During the proceedings, a moment of silence was observed in honour of the victims of the recent tragic bus-train collision at the Mutirikwi Railway Crossing in Triangle, Masvingo Province, which claimed nine lives and left several others injured, with participants standing in solidarity with the bereaved families.
Elderly women beneficiaries of the First Lady’s Doek Drive initiative beam with joy as they proudly wear their newly received doeks at Uswaushava Primary School in Chiredzi.
Addressing the packed gathering, Dr Mnangagwa said the initiative was inspired by the need to preserve cultural values while encouraging women to embrace confidence, self-respect and good character.
“I have come with the Doek Drive, a programme that encourages women to dress modestly and uphold our cultural values. The doek and zambia give dignity and honour to women.
“These are not simply items of clothing. They represent our identity, our values and the respect that women deserve in society. Through this initiative, we are encouraging women to embrace self-respect, dignity, confidence and good character,” she said.
The First Lady said the programme was targeting elderly women because they are custodians of wisdom, knowledge and cultural values, serving as the foundation upon which traditions are passed from one generation to the next.
She urged women to remain steadfast custodians of Zimbabwean culture and traditions, saying they play a critical role in shaping families and communities.
“This programme encourages women to wear the doek and zambia because these garments help to identify who you are and where you come from. They reflect your roots, your family background and your identity.
“The way a person dresses says a lot about them. It reflects their upbringing, conduct and the values they uphold,” she said.
Elderly women and beneficiaries of the First Lady’s Doek Drive initiative display a petticoat while encouraging young girls to uphold and cherish Zimbabwean cultural values at Uswaushava Primary School in Chiredzi.
Dr Mnangagwa added: “The values and principles instilled by your family are reflected in the way you carry yourself. When people see you presenting yourself with dignity and respect, they may be encouraged to follow your example.”
The Culture and Heritage Ambassador said a person’s character is shaped within the family, where the foundation of good values, discipline and respect is laid.
She said she always cherished opportunities to interact with people from different communities because there was much to learn from one another.
“When we meet and interact, we share knowledge and experiences. We discuss how we should live together in harmony, guide and correct one another, how previous generations built strong families and communities, and how we can address the challenges affecting families today,” she said.
The First Lady took time to interact with women, asking elderly participants how they had managed to sustain their marriages and relationships in the past when divorce cases were rare.
She engaged women from diverse backgrounds, with one divorcee leaving the crowd in stitches as she recounted the circumstances that led to the breakdown of her marriage.
The woman said her husband had accused her of being unfaithful with male colleagues who would occasionally buy her lunch.
“Amai, my husband was jealous because I would happily accept lunches offered by my male friends at work. I saw nothing wrong with it because they were just friends. He would sometimes say, ‘Your eye contact with them says it all; you are in love with them,’” she said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Gogo Nenerano sheds tears of joy as she dons the doek she received from First Lady during the Doek Drive initiative.
As the highly interactive engagement continued, Dr Mnangagwa also asked participants which parts of a woman’s body should remain covered. There was an overwhelming response from the women, who said a woman is expected to keep her thighs, breasts, chest and head covered, and to wear loose-fitting attire that reflects modesty and respect.
The First Lady also gave elderly women an opportunity to share valuable lessons on traditional practices and customs, providing insights into how life was lived in the past and helping to pass this knowledge on to the younger generation.
The discussions also touched on factors contributing to rising cases of divorce and domestic abuse, with one speaker urging young women to refrain from checking their husbands’ mobile phones as a way of fostering trust and harmony in marriages. Other women from the community and various churches complemented these reflections by reinforcing the importance of strengthening family relationships and promoting positive behaviour within households.
The women, among them Mrs Janet Mudzingwa, Mrs Agness Maseko, Mrs Thandiwe Tutsai, Mrs Ronika Mawisire and Mrs Olivia Tinago, built on the First Lady’s teachings by emphasising the need to preserve cultural values.
They encouraged modest dressing, proper use of doeks and zambias, and maintaining cleanliness and respect within the home, noting that such practices help preserve dignity, strengthen marriages and reduce cases of gender-based violence.
They also urged families to embrace peace, responsibility and hard work, while promoting traditional foods and decent dressing that reflect respect, identity and cultural pride.
For many women, the event represented far more than material assistance but reminded them that they are valued and respected.
Smiles light up the faces of elderly women beneficiaries as they proudly don their new doeks and wrappers while displaying food hampers received through the First Lady’s Doek Drive initiative at Uswaushava Primary School in Chiredzi.
For them, the gifts will help them, but the message of dignity and cultural pride will stay with them.
For Granny Maria Chiketo, who was all smiles as she donned her doek and zambia while proudly lifting her petticoat, the occasion rekindled her pride in Zimbabwean traditions.
“We grew up wearing doeks and zambias as a sign of respect for our culture. It is encouraging to see these values being promoted among the younger generation,” she said.
Granny Petronella Mandizvidza said she was overwhelmed with joy after receiving the donated items.
“I am grateful to our mother for remembering us. I received a doek, zambia, petticoat and groceries. There is nothing more I could ask for,” she said.
Granny Lydia Mazhambe said the donation had eased her concerns about the harsh winter conditions.
Expecting mothers in Chiredzi carry baby preparation kits received from First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, as part of her ongoing efforts to support maternal health and promote safe motherhood in rural communities.
“I am very happy. I was worried about the cold weather. The petticoat reminds me of the days when we wore such garments while growing up. I encourage people to embrace and wear them again,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Granny Gladys Jema, said the donation came as a pleasant surprise.
“I am extremely happy. I left home without expecting to receive anything, but today I have been blessed with warm clothing and other necessities,” she said.
Granny Jema praised the First Lady for her compassion towards elderly people.
“Look at the kindness of our mother. Despite our age, she has brought us traditional garments to keep us warm, as well as other essential items. We are filled with joy because she remembered and supported us,” she said.
Another elderly beneficiary, Granny Mavinge, said the donation had come at the right time as she had been struggling to cope with the cold weather.
Women dressed in ZIG-branded wrappers took part in activities promoting the use of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency during the First Lady’s Doek Drive initiative at Uswaushava Primary School in Chiredzi.
“I am very happy to have received blankets during this winter season. The cold was becoming unbearable, but now I feel comfortable and cared for,” she said.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her efforts in promoting and preserving the country’s culture and heritage.
Minister Chadzamira said every district in the province had benefited from the First Lady’s numerous interventions, which continue to bring positive transformation to communities across Masvingo.
The programme follows successful launches in Mashonaland Central and Manicaland provinces and continues to gain momentum across the country.
With each province it reaches, the Doek Drive is evolving into a movement that combines practical support with cultural preservation, empowering women while affirming their identity and heritage.
