BULAWAYO City Council has acceded to the calls to change the mayoral gown and is currently seeking designers for a new outfit.
The developments are revealed in the latest council minutes in which the town clerk reported last month that the City of Bulawayo had over the years been getting repeated calls from residents to change its mayoral gown so that it resonated and resembled the city’s local culture.
“It was noted that in order to do so, there would be a need to engage designers who could work with the municipality to design the new mayoral gown,” the minutes read.
“The proposal was for the design of summer and winter mayoral gowns. It was noted that the current gown was of heavy material and tended to be very hot in the summer or hot seasons.
“A summer mayoral gown would ensure comfort during the city’s civic functions held in hot months, while a winter mayoral gown would also ensure warmth and comfort during the winter months.”
The local authority further noted that a mayoral gown has to bear design patterns using the City of Bulawayo colours, Ndebele patterns, designs and colours.
Indications are that it was suggested that the gown might remain red in colour in line with the City Crest inclusion of Bulawayo’s architectural references and cultural connotations.
“Proposal for the mayoral head gear was that it be replaced with the Ndebele head gear of umqhele,” read the minutes.
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“New gown design to reflect the inclusivity of the people of Bulawayo without segregation is inspired by the richness of the arts, history and culture of the Matabeleland region and to also acknowledge the diversity in the City of Bulawayo as strength and not a weakness.”
The council said it was anticipated that the new mayoral gown would also assist in opening the doors of tourism and that the old gown be showcased at the Natural History Museum with write-ups to showcase the transitions in time.
Mayor David Coltart noted that the current gown was more of a Scottish attire with little reference to the city’s connotations.
Indications were that youthful international fashion designer Nkanyezi Malunga had been identified to assist with the designs.
“That council submits proposals to development partners for financing the design and procurement of a new mayoral gown and that the proposed designs of a new gown once obtained be submitted to council for approval.”
Bulawayo was the late Ndebele founding King Mzilikazi’s headquarters amid escalating calls from the Ndebele community to have that historical legacy preserved for ever.
