Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA today chaired the Cabinet meeting with ministers abandoning usual Western suits and ties in favour of Zimbabwe’s traditional national fabric, as Government commemorates Culture Month.
In a statement, the Department of Presidential Communications said the entire Cabinet will wear the Zimbabwean fabric during every Cabinet sitting throughout the month of May.
The department added that the decision by Government leadership symbolised national pride and cultural identity.
“His Excellency the President, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, together with the entire Cabinet, will throughout the month of May dress in Zimbabwe’s National Fabric during every Cabinet sitting as the nation marks its Culture Month,” said the department.
“The decision by His Excellency, the President, to wear Zimbabwe’s National Fabric during Cabinet sittings throughout Culture Month resonates with, and will culminate in the broader continental celebrations of Africa Day on 25 May.”
The department said the development reflected Government’s commitment towards promoting heritage preservation and strengthening national identity through culture.
“The development reflects Government’s commitment to promoting Zimbabwean identity, heritage, unity and cultural pride through the preservation and celebration of indigenous traditions, values and artistic expression,” said the department.
“Culture Month, observed annually in May, is a national programme dedicated to celebrating Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage.”
The Culture Month celebrations are being spearheaded by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
“Identity plays a key role in national development. We should all believe that it’s us and it’s our country to participate progressively and meaningfully in national programmes,” said the department.
“Activities held during the period include traditional dance performances, exhibitions, language preservation programmes, culinary showcases, music festivals, poetry, visual arts displays and discussions on heritage preservation.”
The Department of Presidential Communications described Zimbabwe’s National Fabric as a specially designed cloth representing the country’s history, aspirations and values.
“Zimbabwe’s National Fabric is a specially designed cloth that embodies the country’s history, values, aspirations and national identity,” the department said.
“The fabric incorporates colours and symbols inspired by the Zimbabwean flag, heritage motifs and African artistic expression, making it a distinctive representation of national identity.”
Government also highlighted that the commemorations coincide with global programmes linked to cultural diversity and heritage preservation.
