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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 33919, member: 636"]
The National Handicraft Centre reopened its updated gallery yesterday and received a new vehicle for operations. Women's Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa led the ceremony, calling it important for preserving Zimbabwean culture. She said the renovation supports national development plans that focus on improving infrastructure. The center has served artisans since 1989, but faced recent challenges that limited its effectiveness. Government funding covered gallery repairs, new inventory purchases, and vehicle acquisition.

President Mnangagwa approved a seven-member board last September to revive the center. The facility markets crafts from rural women, who create about 75 percent of Zimbabwe's handicrafts. The new vehicle will help transport products and assist rural artists, especially during national events like trade fairs. Chairperson Sandra Ndebele mentioned that the center brings products from all provinces to Harare. After a recent visit there, she noted growing demand for Zimbabwean basketry in China.

Ndebele stressed the need for formal agreements between countries to protect elderly rural craftswomen. She highlighted the center's mission to promote handmade items from across Zimbabwe, particularly from less developed areas. The gallery features Tonga baskets from Binga, stone sculptures, national dress fabrics, and pottery representing cultural traditions. The center aims to market crafts from various regions, including Binga, Nkayi, Matopo, Chimanimani, and Nemanwa.
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