Mnangagwa defends miniskirts

VICE-PRESIDENT and Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa has defended the wearing of mini-skirts by women, describing it as their constitutional right.

Mnangagwa made the remarks during a constitutional outreach programme in Marondera last Friday after Chief Chikwaka of Goromonzi had denounced the wearing of mini-skirts in public.

Mnangagwa made the remarks during a constitutional outreach programme in Marondera last Friday after Chief Chikwaka of Goromonzi had denounced the wearing of mini-skirts in public.

“Some of us, including [Zanu PF Mashonaland East acting provincial chairperson and traditional historian Aeneas] Chigwedere, who were there around 1918 [know that] women used to wear nhembe, but no one protested. The men would put on madhumbu and no one protested. Then came the whites with clothes that covered the whole body,” Mnangagwa said. “If a woman parades herself in a miniskirt, leave her, that is what she wants.”

He added: “We went to war for freedom, fighting so that all people would be free. So the new Constitution speaks of freedom of choice and freedom of expression. What matters are her morals, not dressing, it is her right.”

Ministry of Justice permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza echoed similar sentiments, telling the gathering to respect women’s dressing.

Recently, two Harare omnibus touts were hauled to court after they allegedly stripped a woman in the capital accusing her of being indecently dressed.

The court case is still pending at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.