His romance with the striped wool scarf bearing the Zimbabwe flag colors started in January during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and yes the President Emmerson Mnangagwa has not given up yet.
Scarfs are usually seasonal (winter-wear), considering that ED’s administration hasn’t gone through a winter season, there have been echoes of disapproval from a section of Zimbabweans who think and feel like the President is overburdening himself.
Fashionistas and models concur that comfort-ability is the first priority when dressing. Even the ‘second lady’ Mary Chiwenga, former holder of Miss Zimbabwe crown, reckons it as well.
In an interview with Daily News, the vice President’s wife revealed that comfort comes top on her choice of outfit and not occasion or status.
“In winter you will probably see me with a $2000 Brazilian wig or whatever, but now it’s hot and I like my comfort,” she said.
Initially the scurf at Davos was used to symbolize identity especially for a man who had just assumed office and was keen to rebrand himself. But now, it has become his trademark which he puts on whether touring the Nestle Plant, party rallies and functions or visiting other countries.
Though this has been met with scorn and criticism but the man is prepared for all the backlash, he just cant give up. The hype with the scarf has died but of late other ministers appear to be warming up to it, if pictures from the Rwanda African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) conference are anything to go by.
A fashion blogger, Sharon Mungazi believes ED’s scarf is symbolic and a good addition to his outfits especially at events that he has attended but seem worried too, “There is nothing wrong with ED’s scarf, I wouldn’t mind one for myself, he only needs to know there is a time and place for everything.”
“Maybe as a politician, the agenda behind the scarf is more important than anything else,he can afford to overlook critics and fashion principles so as to deliver the message” she added.
From the consistency that the President has so far displayed in putting on the scarf at all his outings, the question that Zimbabweans may need to answer is whether patriotism beats comfort-ability- and only Cde President has the answer.
