The National Handicrafts Centre Zimbabwe (NHC) was a star attraction at the local International Women’s Day celebrations held in Mutare rural last Friday after locals and other respected dignitaries thronged their exhibition stand, which was showcasing various cultural artefacts and crafts.
Speaking to Standard Style, NHC board chairperson Sandra Ndebele Sibindi said they were happy to be part of ongoing national and international programmes like the International Women’s Day where they successfully showcased their work.
“Our Mutare expedition was a big success with many thronging our exhibition stand to see the various crafts, material and artefacts that were on display throughout the day,” she said.
“This was a big high for us especially as we celebrate women who happen to be the backbone of our creative edge as NHC.
“As an organisation, our goal is promoting and preserving our rich cultural heritage through handicrafts and we are happy that many Zimbabweans still have a strong sense of admiration for their culture and heritage as seen by the numbers that came to see what was on display at our stand.”
Some of the materials on display included beads, necklaces and some quality apparel made out of the national cloth and Ndebele Sibindi said many were excited by the workmanship and creativity that they had on display.
“We had a whole range of products and crafts on display including shirts and jackets depicting our national dress as a people,” she said.
“It was quite encouraging to see the level of excitement in our people as they interacted with these crafts.
“Other unique displays included beads, bangles and wrapping clothes that celebrate our unique history and culture as a people.”
The National Handicrafts Centre Zimbabwe is a community-based organisation, that links crafters with the market and it recently made headlines after a new board was ushered into office to drive its vision and mission.
The new board has notable figures including board chairperson Ndebele Sibindi and other creative industry giants like Joyce Jenje Makwenda, Abigail Damasane, Hidigard Mufukare, Matubbeki Mudenda and Shepherd Chawarura.
