First Lady Profiting from Zimbabwe’s National Fabric?: Tourism Minister Addresses Allegations

First Lady Profiting from Zimbabwe’s National Fabric?: Tourism Minister Addresses Allegations

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, has addressed claims that First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa is profiting from the sale of the national dress, which has become a staple at State and Zanu PF functions.

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Background of the National Fabric and Dress

The First Lady spearheaded the creation of the national dress, which was officially launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2020. According to reports, Auxillia Mnangagwa established committees for various labels and appointed Zanu PF and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) as the principal retailers of the fabric.

Also read: ”He Abused the President’s Wisdom”: Angry Zanu-PF Speaks On Wicknell Chivayo’s Close Relationship With Mnangagwa

Investigation Findings

The Zimbabwe Independent‘s investigation revealed that the national fabric, now nearly mandatory for civil servants and Zanu PF supporters, is being sold at the First Lady’s offices. The fabric is priced at US$4 per meter at ZTA offices in Harare. Comparatively, a typical cloth sells for US$1.50 in regular shops, according to a snap survey. The fabric is also available at the Zanu PF headquarters and Zimbabwe House.

Also read: Here Is How Zimbabweans Reacted To The National Dress Fabric

Tourism Minister Justifies High Cost

When initially contacted for a comment, Rwodzi was preparing for a trip to Nyanga and directed inquiries to her personal assistant, Kudzai, who declined to respond. Later, Rwodzi addressed the report, clarifying the pricing and distribution of the national fabric.

Rwodzi stated that the national fabric’s price had been reduced from a previous range of USD9 to USD12 to the current USD4, following ministry intervention.

“The National Fabric was previously sold between USD9 and USDI2 before the ministry intervened to get the price gazetted downwards to USD4,” Rwodzi explained.

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Barbara Rwodzi Addresses Allegations First Lady is Profiting From National Fabric

Regarding the allegations that the First Lady is selling the national fabric at her offices, Rwodzi clarified that the Ministry works with a few selected outlets to distribute the fabric at the gazetted price.

She also strongly refuted the claims against Auxillia Mnangagwa, stating,

“We take exception to false and malicious claims by some media outlets that the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa is cashing in on the national fabric. Such claims are not only unfortunate but appear calculated to soil the good image of our hard-working mother of the nation who is our patron. The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is forever grateful to Dr Mnangagwa for initiating the launch of the national fabric which promotes our Zimbabwean identity.”

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