Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
AS animated as the striking motifs that adorn Ndebele homesteads, a groundbreaking cultural preservation project, “Matobo Goes Fashion . . . and Beyond,” will culminate in a grand event at the Friendship Bench Hub, 9 Avon Rise, Mount Pleasant in Harare, today (Saturday).
Organised by the German Embassy in Harare in collaboration with the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe (FCoZ) and the Friendship Bench Hub, the project has been a showcase of creativity, celebrating the distinctive hut painting tradition (ukugudula) practised by Ndebele women in Matobo District, Matabeleland South.
Launched at the beginning of last year, the initiative aims to preserve and elevate this traditional art form, which is a cultural hallmark recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) within the Matobo cultural landscape.
Each year, Ndebele women adorn their homesteads with striking motifs crafted from sand and mud, enriched with natural pigments such as coal and ash. These intricate designs, which embody creativity and cultural pride, are often washed away by seasonal rains — making their preservation all the more vital.
Katrin Simon, head of the cultural section at the German Embassy in Harare, underscored the importance of the project.
“We sought to contribute to the preservation and greater visibility of this unique art form.”
The initiative complements the decade-long “My Beautiful Home” competition, which has promoted hut painting for over ten years, fostering continuity and cultural pride among local artisans.
The journey of “Matobo Goes Fashion . . . and Beyond” began in January at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo, where the fusion of fashion and culture took centre stage. The event was co-ordinated by Bulawayo-based fashion designers Yolanda Ngwenya, founder of Bakhar, and Nkanyezi Malunga, owner of GanuByGanu.
Together, they curated a showcase that captivated audiences, blending contemporary fashion with traditional narratives rooted in hut painting. Throughout the project, Ngwenya and Malunga selected 40 designers from across Zimbabwe, each tasked with creating pieces that reflect the spirit of Matobo’s artistic heritage. Designers such as Kelly Ndlovu, Margaret Mathambo, Yvonne Muzembe, and Phyllis Tsikisayi contributed to the creative endeavour, producing over 300 unique patterns inspired by Matobo women — each design telling its own story. The designs have been transformed into distinctive fashion pieces and handicrafts, including bags and lampshades, which have been marketed in stores nationwide.
The initiative has not only highlighted the commercial potential of Matobo hut art but also provided an additional income stream for women artists, significantly enhancing their livelihoods.
“Even though the embassy-funded project comes to an end now, plans are underway to continue the vision of the project to ensure greater visibility of this unique Zimbabwean heritage and to support acknowledgement of the women artists of Matobo. A Trust called “Matobo Heritage Trust” is being formed and registered in the near future, to carry on the promotion of this art form using the groundwork and infrastructures which have been set up by our joint project,” Simon said when asked about the project’s future.
The closing event promises a festive celebration of culture, featuring a family-friendly fashion show in collaboration with FCoZ. The runway will spotlight the creative works of designers from Bulawayo and Harare, accompanied by live music from Othnell Mangoma & Friends, who will perform Bulawayo Township Music.
A pop-up store will also be featured, showcasing the Matobo Collection and a variety of handicrafts, giving attendees the opportunity to purchase these unique items while celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
The event is free and open to the public, inviting all to join in this cultural celebration, which coincides with the country’s Culture Month. Among the notable attendees will be Matobo’s Sikhulile Hlongwane, Dema Ward 17 Coordinator, and Marvis Ndlovu from Jeqe Village Ward 24, who will join Ngwenya and Malunga in showcasing the artistic talent of Matabeleland.
In Harare, they will collaborate with project co-ordinator and fashion expert Joyce Chimanye, who also serves on the FCoZ board.
Hlongwane expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibition.
“I’m glad to be attending this exhibition as we have seen the transition from hut paintings to various art forms. Painting has helped local women be economically savvy and earn a living.”
Matobo women have extended their artistry to various city walls, including those of the Jairos Jiri Craft Shop and the NGZ in Bulawayo, as well as painting a life-sized Buddy Bear (Utshomi) and various clay products. Hlongwane acknowledged the challenges of adapting traditional art to fashion but praised the support from Ngwenya and Malunga, calling them “two of the most talented designers in Bulawayo.” The collaboration has yielded remarkable results, demonstrating the power of community and cultural heritage.
