Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu [email protected]
IN celebration of Africa Day today the 25th of May, a 20-year-old entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Visionary Innovation for Sustainability in Technology and Agriculture, Ms Phumzile Praise Ntonisani, popularly known as “The African Cowgirl”, has expressed pride in her African identity and pledged to represent the continent in all aspects of life.
Speaking to Zimpapers, Ms Ntonisani said she would always choose Africa whenever given the opportunity, saying the commitment reflects the meaning behind the name “African Cowgirl”.
“Africa Day, to me, is a celebration of identity, heritage, creativity and the beauty of being African. It is a day that reminds us that Africa is rich in culture, natural resources, traditions and innovation,” she said.
Ms Ntonisani said she is passionate about African culture and believes Africans should unite in promoting indigenous resources, natural products and cultural heritage through commerce and enterprise.
“I believe Africa has many powerful indigenous natural resources that are often overlooked, yet they carry both nutritional and cultural value,” she said.
“In this way, we may celebrate Africa not only through words, but by creating products that tell African stories, support local production in commerce and encourage people to appreciate the richness of our continent.”
She said Africans should embrace their identity while demonstrating that African creativity can evolve in modern and innovative ways without losing its roots.
“As someone who proudly calls herself the African Cowgirl, I perceive Africa Day as a moment to embrace who we are while also showing the world that African creativity can evolve in unique and modern ways without losing its roots,” she said.
Explaining the inspiration behind the name “African Cowgirl”, Ms Ntonisani said it reflects her vision of combining originality, strength and African cultural values.
“The concept of a cowgirl originally comes from Western culture and history, but I chose to give it an African identity and meaning. I wanted to create a brand that carries both strength and originality while staying grounded in African culture and values,” she said.
She added that the brand is intended to reinterpret the concept through an African perspective rather than imitate Western culture, blending elegance, tradition, nature and entrepreneurship into an identity that represents Africa.
