The government of Zimbabwe is trading dark suits and silk ties for brightly patterned national fabric this month, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa directed cabinet ministers to wear traditional attire during official meetings as part of the country's Culture Month celebrations.

The initiative, aimed at promoting national identity, heritage and pride, has drawn praise from many Zimbabweans who say the country has long relied on Western-style formal wear in official spaces at the expense of local cultural expression.

For several cabinet sessions in May, ministers have appeared dressed in garments made from Zimbabwe's national fabric, a symbolic move supporters say reflects a broader effort to reclaim and celebrate indigenous identity through fashion.

"It will be something that eventually catches on and everyone will wear it with pride because for the longest time as Zimbabweans we have failed to rally behind or have something that holds us together, that fosters national pride," said Gilbert Chimboza, an engineer based in Harare.

Others believe the visibility of political leaders embracing local dress could influence wider public attitudes toward traditional fashion.

"I feel like they are people of influence. They are people we look up to," Tarisai Pondamari said in an interview.

But some Zimbabweans questioned whether the initiative would outlast the annual cultural celebrations, arguing that symbolic gestures alone are not enough to preserve national traditions.

"There is more that can be done. In Zimbabwe, I think it's just lights, camera, action. We say, 'Oh, culture month, our dress, our food,' then after a month, it passes, and it's back to our jeans and whatnot," said Zimbabwean Tsitsi Chiyangwa.

Cultural experts say the long-term success of the initiative will depend on whether it evolves into a sustained national practice rather than a temporary ceremonial display.

"We should not say that this month we are going to be wearing this. I think it's something that should identify us wherever we are — January, February, June or December," said cultural and traditional expert Boniface Mavengeni.

"It's a step in the right direction so that as we go on we can try and improve on that," he added.

The move comes as several African countries increasingly promote indigenous textiles and cultural dress as symbols of national identity and economic empowerment, particularly within creative and fashion industries.

For now, Zimbabwe's cabinet chambers have become an unlikely runway for cultural revival, one stitched together with questions about whether symbolism can translate into lasting national change.

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter Marion Gachuhi