The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Auxillia Mnangagwa, yesterday successfully hosted the Doek and Zambia Drive at Mabidi Stadium, also known as Ronnie’s Sports Arena, in Beitbridge District, bringing together thousands of women from across Matabeleland South Province in a celebration of Zimbabwean culture, womanhood and family values.
The programme attracted an overwhelming turnout from all seven districts of Matabeleland South, demonstrating widespread support for an initiative that seeks to preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage while promoting the dignity of women across all generations.
The event was attended by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, together with the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs L. L. Dhlamini Maseko, among other Government officials, traditional leaders and community members.
The programme specifically focused on empowering elderly women, pregnant women, young adult women, women living with disabilities and adolescent girls through the distribution of traditional attire and messages centred on cultural identity and social responsibility.
Officially welcoming the First Lady to the province, Honourable Nguluvhe expressed gratitude for her unwavering commitment to empowering women, strengthening families and safeguarding Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage. He commended the continued nationwide rollout of the initiative, noting its significance in reinforcing values that promote unity, respect and social cohesion.
In her keynote address, Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa said the Doek and Zambia Drive was founded on the principles of love, unity and care, emphasising that every woman deserves to be recognised and celebrated regardless of age, background or social status.
She described the doek and Zambia fabric as far more than items of clothing, saying they are enduring symbols of Zimbabwean identity, dignity and womanhood. She encouraged women to wear the traditional garments with pride, explaining that they embody motherhood, respect, responsibility and the rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.
The First Lady highlighted the important role traditional attire continues to play in African societies, particularly during significant life events such as marriage ceremonies, where dress reflects honour, respect and the values of the family and community. She added that within Zimbabwean culture, the doek and Zambia fabric have traditionally been worn during everyday household activities, church services, funerals and community gatherings, serving as visible expressions of dignity and cultural pride.
She also called upon mothers and elderly women to continue mentoring younger generations by instilling positive values, proper conduct and an appreciation for appropriate dress from childhood through adulthood and into marriage. While acknowledging changing times, the First Lady expressed concern over the gradual erosion of traditional dressing among some young people and said the programme seeks to restore pride in Zimbabwe’s cultural identity while providing guidance on dressing appropriately for different occasions.
The gathering also featured an engaging interactive session in which the First Lady encouraged dialogue on family values by inviting participants to reflect on the qualities they value in future spouses and daughters-in-law. Young women spoke about the importance of love, care, respect and responsible leadership within marriage, while mothers and elderly women highlighted humility, good character, proper dressing, fairness and ubuntu (hunhu) as essential qualities for building strong and united families.
The discussion generated enthusiastic participation from the audience and reinforced the importance of preserving cultural values, mutual respect and responsible family life as the foundation of thriving communities.
Following her address, the First Lady distributed doeks, Zambia fabrics and other donated items to members of the identified beneficiary groups, bringing smiles to many women who attended the programme.
As a gesture of appreciation for her continued service to the people of Zimbabwe, Honourable Nguluvhe presented the First Lady with a healthy sheep, while she was also gifted with a portrait of herself, symbolising the province’s gratitude for her dedication to uplifting communities and preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
The Beitbridge event once again demonstrated the First Lady’s commitment to promoting national identity, strengthening families and empowering women through initiatives that celebrate Zimbabwe’s traditions while fostering unity, dignity and social development.