malvernmugadzikwa
Society Reporter
“THIS is nice Tariro. I love your dress!”
A social media blogger recently made this comment after radio personality and socialite Tariro Gezi posted a picture of herself adorning a beautiful outfit designed using the Zimbabwe national dress fabric.
Another clearly smitten blogger wrote: “You look fabulous in the national dress. Viva the Zimbabwean bird and national colours.”
On December 19, 2020, President Mnangagwa launched the national dress fabric at a colourful event at State House.
The event marked the first time Zimbabwe has settled on a national dress fabric since 1980.
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa spearheaded the search for the national dress after embarking on comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders from all the country’s 10 provinces.
The national dress encompasses national symbols such as the Zimbabwe bird, the national flag and the iconic chevron pattern.
The fabric was designed in consultation with different stakeholders from all the 10 provinces.
Ever since that historic launch, the concept of the national dress fabric has spread like veld fire, engulfing fashion-conscious citizens from all economic, religious and social backgrounds.
The national cloth, which has a Zimbabwe bird and national flag colours on it, proved to be a hit during the just-ended Independence Day celebrations in Murambinda, Buhera.
In Buhera, a significant number of both male and female patriots adorned beautiful and colourful national costumes, bringing some vibrancy to the usually sleepy communal area.
Some prominent individuals, most notably members of the fairer sex, looked stunning as they celebrated one of the most important days in the history of Zimbabwe.
Gezi clearly stole the show on social media, with her post attracting more than 400 comments. Titled “Proudly Zimbabwean”, the post attracted an impressive number of views.
The comment section of the post revealed that most Zimbabweans fully appreciate and understand the importance of the national dress.
One blogger jokingly suggested that by designing the stunning dress, Gezi “qualifies” to get a vehicle from businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Another blogger referred to her as “The Flag Girl”.
Since 2020, efforts are being made to foster pride and identity through the national dress.
The Harare Metropolitan province recently staged a highly subscribed national dress dinner.
Media personalities Godfrey “Chief” Koti and Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa caught the nation’s attention when they officiated at the event whilst donning national colours.
Some television presenters have also appeared on the small screen in dresses designed using the national cloth.
Beaven Mufuratirwa, a social commentator, said deliberate efforts by the Government to promote the national dress are bearing fruit.
“The promotion of the national cloth has become easier than before. With exposure growing on social media platforms, more and more people are now interested and willing to dress up in national colours,” he said.
Posting on her social media platform, Gezi said she is using her popularity to promote the country.
“I am dedicated to leveraging my influence to promote brand Zimbabwe,” she wrote.
In having the national dress, Zimbabwe joins other countries in the world such as South Africa and Malaysia to have national dresses.
India ranks among countries in the world that are proud of their national identity.
According to online sources, India’s national dress is called the “dhoti”.
It is the traditional attire mainly worn by men in villages.
The garment is held in place by some wrapping or with a belt around the waist. Men in India also wear long sarongs known as “mundu”.
Online Reporter