Chronicle Editor
Harare Bureau
THE national dress fabric that was launched by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in 2021 helps foster a sense of patriotism and national identity among Zimbabweans, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi has said.
She was speaking during the National Dress Dinner organised by Young Women for Economic Development Harare Chapter, on Friday.
Minister Rwodzi urged citizens to embrace the national fabric.
“We are here today to showcase our national dress that was introduced by our First Lady,” she said.
“She also introduced the national cookout competition, a move that was meant to preserve our culture and tradition through food and dressing.
“She was trying to give us a sense of dignity and belonging because you cannot be a Zimbabwean if you don’t know your culture.”
Minister Rwodzi said the national dress was pivotal in identifying the unique essence of Zimbabweans’ distinctiveness.
“Every country was given its heritage by God, but now people are more interested in the Western heritage, yet we have our own.
“Our President is always wearing the national scarf because he wants to be identified as the leader of Zimbabwe,” she added.
“We are supposed to be proud of who we are and be defined by what we wear, which is our national bird on the national fabric.”
The national dress, she said, can be harnessed to drive tourism development.
“If as a nation we adopt the national dress wherever we go, we will be identified by the same thing,” she continued.
“The First Lady is also championing our identity through food, which we call gastronomy tourism.”
Young Women for ED national chairperson, who is also Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the national dress was a symbol of unity and pride for all Zimbabweans.
“The national fabric is a symbol of our rich history and culture,” she said.
“It is also a reminder of the struggles that our people have endured and overcome.
“It is also a symbol of our hope for the future.
“I am proud of the role that the national fabric is playing in promoting brand Zimbabwe in the tourism sector,” she said.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire pledged to continue supporting young people for the development of Zimbabwe.
“We encourage young people to venture into businesses, so that we can develop our country,” he said.
“Young people should also know the importance of the national dress, so that we don’t get lost.
“Today, we have just been reminded to know where our country came from and to know our culture,” he said.
The event, which was meant to popularise the national dress fabric, was attended by Zanu-PF Politburo members and senior Government officials.
Bongani Ndlovu