Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
IT was an all-women affair as scores of women from across Zimbabwe gathered for an elegant Mother’s Day bush dinner experience at the breathtaking Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe, marking Mother’s Day in style and gratitude.
Held under a celebratory mood, the dinner paid tribute to mothers for their unwavering role in shaping families, strengthening communities, and contributing to national development.
The event, which offered many a rare moment to unwind, reflect and simply enjoy being honoured, was coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality and afforded women an experience of domestic tourism on Sunday night.
It brought together women from different backgrounds, including professionals, elderly women, religious leaders and young ladies, for an evening defined by recognition, cultural expression and warm fellowship.
The atmosphere was festive, with guests arriving in vibrant traditional and contemporary outfits that turned the venue into a lively showcase of Zimbabwean culture and fashion.
As one stepped foot in the mountainous venue, she was welcomed by cocktails at the entrance, while lights illuminated the pathway into the main arena, where there was a traditional setup of tables.
Music, sweet to the soul, added a flair, while there was also a live musical performance by Afro-fusion star Feli Nandi, who lit up the stage with energetic and soulful performances that had guests singing along and dancing.
Women also took part in a fashion showcase, where elegance, creativity, and cultural pride were on full display as participants drawn from the country’s 10 provinces modelled a variety of stylish outfits.
Not to be outdone was a lively dance competition that saw women of all ages taking to the dance floor. Those who demonstrated exceptional rhythm and footwork were rewarded with prizes, adding excitement to the evening.
Guests were also treated to a tasty traditional meal and a variety of beverages, which added to the festive spirit of the night and reflected Zimbabwe’s rich culinary heritage.
Speaking at the event, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, who was representing the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, said the gathering was a deliberate gesture to honour women beyond their daily responsibilities at home and in the workplace.
“It is a night to celebrate the leadership, resilience and strength that mothers continue to show in every sector of our society and economy,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi said the event also gave women an opportunity to experience domestic tourism through the Baradzanwa Cultural Village, a newly established initiative under the Ministry aimed at promoting local tourism experiences and cultural appreciation.
Attendees said the evening was unforgettable, describing it as a rare chance to pause from daily pressures and connect with other women in a relaxed and celebratory environment.
Mrs Muchaneta Mandaza said the platform was an excellent opportunity for networking with both emerging and established personalities across all sectors.
“As women, we are truly happy and feel deeply honoured to be recognised in our role as mothers. We have also had the chance to connect with other women from different places through this event,” she said.
Ms Audrey Hapaguti described the experience as amazing, applauding the organisers for a well-thought-out initiative. “I really enjoyed my moment. This is something we don’t often get as women. We feel appreciated, and we are truly enjoying ourselves,” she said.
Ms Talent Rusike also applauded the organisers for hosting a memorable dinner, saying the event had created a platform for women to reflect on their value and contribution to society.
“Sometimes we tend to underestimate ourselves, but tonight we have been reminded of our worth as mothers,” she said. “These gatherings are important because they strengthen unity among women and encourage us to remain confident and proud of the roles we play in our families and communities,” she said.
Another guest, Nyasha Samu, said creating dedicated spaces for women was the right direction.
“Everything here is beautiful and perfectly arranged, and we feel honoured to be part of history being made in this place. I enjoyed every moment, from the food and music to the scenic views. It’s truly a wonderful setting,” she said.
The Mother’s Day bush dinner ultimately stood as a powerful reminder of the value of recognising women not only in words, but through shared experiences that honour their contribution to society.
As the evening drew to a close, it left behind lasting memories of unity, appreciation, and cultural pride that participants said they would cherish long after the celebrations ended.
The event also underscored the important role of tourism and hospitality in creating inclusive spaces for celebration, unity, and cultural exchange.
Following the success of the Mother’s Day bush dinner, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry intends to make it an annual fixture on its calendar as part of efforts to continuously honour and empower women across the country.
