Zim launches national dress fabric

Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe on Saturday launched a new national dress fabric which President Emmerson Mnangagwa described as a symbol of national identity to drive positive love for the country and promote unity.

The fabric, launched under the theme, “Zimbabwe, My Identity, My Pride,” comes in different colours and has the Zimbabwe bird and the chevron pattern as key identifiers.

“In the National Development Strategy 1, 2021-2025, my administration recognises the importance of culture, heritage and national identity as important ingredient for national cohesion, unity and peace,” President Mnangagwa said.

“NDS-1 further observes that national identity is an embodiment of national pride and positive emotion of love for one’s country and sense of belonging.”

The various designs on the fabric were born out of collaboration among traditional leaders, artists, designers, historians and other stakeholders.

This is not Zimbabwe’s first attempt at launching a national dress fabric. The previous administration, led by late President Robert Mugabe tried to push a national dress fabric but it failed to garner public support.

President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to promote the country’s “sovereignty and national identity” through promoting use of the national dress fabric.

“On our side as government, we should designate days when our people wear attire with the national dress fabric, inclusive of those in the education sector,” he said.

The fabric, he said, must be a symbol Zimbabweans are proud to be associated with, and its launch was in line with the ongoing momentum towards the “immortalisation of the African continent’s common history and cultural heritage.”

“Having a national dress fabric is a major milestone achievement that must be applauded as a valuable and timeless gift to our nation,” he said.
New Ziana