Social media has roundly rejected the national dress launched yesterday by the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa in what exposes deep rooted polarisation in Zimbabwe.

The condemnation of the national dress speaks on the timing as Zimbabwe is really in need of healing to do away with partisanship which sees everything done by the present government as a Zanu PF agenda while ruling party supporters treats everything done by the opposition with suspicion.

First to attack was MDC Alliance Spokesperson Fadzai Mahere who raised concern over the prioritization of the national dress at the expense of other more pressing issues.

“8,6 million Zimbabweans are food insecure. The public health system is on its knees. Teachers are incapacitated. Nurses can’t afford transport to go to work. Yet, the “Govt” is focused on this,” said Mahere.

MDC-T member Fungai Chiposi said he was not impressed by the national dress.

“I have been viewing the National Dress images and designs and I am not inspired at all,” said Chiposi.

Another social media user, Thabisa Sibanda accused government of not doing enough consultations before launching the national dress.

“The Zimbabwe National dress is a very good idea. I am not convinced that it has been executed properly. When were the consultations done?,” he said.

Former Herald Editor Tichaona Zindoga said the idea of a national dress is noble but will fail to get traction because of the decision to use the first lady to launch it.

“Idea of a national dress is a noble one, albeit one that has failed to gain traction after several attempts. Latest attempt will likely fail because of perception of it being a hegemonic project. It doesn’t help that one Auxillia Mnangagwa is leading it,” said Zindoga.