Chronicle EditorMthabisi Tshuma in Harare
THE Esteemed Business Women Zimbabwe organisation, in collaboration with Miss Rural Zimbabwe, captivated attendees at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Harare over the weekend.
Their striking exhibits at the summit, held at the Geo Pomona Waste site on Saturday and Sunday, left SADC Heads of States and First Ladies thoroughly impressed. The displays aligned perfectly with the summit’s theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC.”
The exhibition provided a platform for international visitors to immerse themselves in Zimbabwean culture and creativity, showcasing the prowess of local female artists and affirming the strength of the cultural creative industries.
Exhibitors included Filabusi artist Sifiso Moyo known as NaZivimbo, Angeline Chipiti from Harare, Beauty Hughes from Mutare, Precious Nhlapho from South Africa, Ntombizodwa Ndlovu from Bulawayo, Sanelisiwe Ncube from Matabeleland North, Sukoluhle Ncube, Mandisa Nozinhle Nyoni, and Trauma Chiwira.
The exhibits featured recycled beaded jewellery, animal statues crafted from beer cans, mats made from discarded fabrics, dresses from old jerseys, handbags and baskets from used bottle caps, recycled bottles, and even garments made from old video cassettes, cardboard, and plastic. Among the highlights were the dresses made from old video cassettes and other recycled materials, which captivated the Heads of States and First Ladies with their innovative design.
The stands were toured by various African First Ladies, led by Zimbabwe’s First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, and later by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and King Mswati III of Eswatini.
NaZivimbo, who showcased art made from used bottle caps and tin caps, described the experience as a significant honour.
“It was a priviledge to present my art at the SADC summit. The fact that President Mnangagwa, the President of Botswana, and King Mswati III were impressed was truly an honour. I hope to visit their countries in the future to showcase my work,” NaZivimbo said.
Esteemed Business Women Zimbabwe founder Sipho Mazibuko expressed her elation at the successful showcase.
“I’m overwhelmed by the response we received over the weekend. When the First Ladies visited our stand, I was nervous, but their reactions were incredible. The First Lady of Angola was particularly amazed by the recycled plastic creations and bottle cap earrings. It was also a humbling experience to present our work to President Mnangagwa, President Masisi, and King Mswati III,” Mazibuko said.
She expressed gratitude for the support received from visitors and Government ministries.
“I’m thrilled with the positive feedback from our country’s First Lady Amai Mnangagwa. This event was an opportunity to represent Matabeleland with pride, and we’re thankful to EMA (Environmental Management Agency) for including us. We also appreciate Environment Minister Sithembiso Nyoni and her Ministry for their support,” she added. — @mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter