CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU businesswoman has become the first national dress ambassador as government takes national dress fabric launch to provinces.
Elaine Muchena of Pretty Woman received the honor during an event where government launched the national dress fabric in the Midlands Province recently. She took time to applaud the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for the initiative.
“Having a national dress is a symbol of pride. We need to show who we are through what we wear. Our own Zimbabwe attire should be unique from the rest of the world as it should scream proudly Zimbabwean.
“Thank you Amai Mnangagwa for a great vision in coming up with such a noble idea. Let’s get trending with fashion. We need to see people showcasing this national identity,” Muchena said.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Dr Sthembiso Nyoni also highlighted that Muchena’s business acumen in twerking her line of trade in the face of COVID-19 resulted in government’s decision to accord her the ambassadorial role.
“Before lockdown she was a hairdresser and during lockdown this was deemed a non-essential service. She then ventured into tailoring. She made lots of safety clothing. She started business during lockdown and she made a lot of protective clothing.
“Resilience has made her the brand ambassador of the national dress fabric. Having a national dress has a great duty to foster identity. It’s a tool to have a belonging to our culture,” Nyoni said.
The national dress fabric, which was launched by President Emerson Mnangagwa in 2019, has designs which portray the country’s culture and identity to give people a sense of pride and belonging.
