By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, has denied allegations that she appears in a viral video showcasing a sensual kongonya dance performed at the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
The video, which has garnered attention online, features a woman in a black formal outfit dancing on her hands and knees amidst a cheering crowd. She is soon joined by another woman dressed in a garment made from the national fabric, as they dance along to Sekuru Gudo’s song Weru, with attendees cheering them on.
The clip was shared on social media by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who criticized Mavetera for her alleged involvement and questioned her suitability as a government minister.
Chin’ono expressed his disapproval by drawing a comparison between Mavetera’s actions and the dignity exemplified by Zimbabwe’s first Minister of Tourism, Victoria Chitepo.
“I wonder what she would make of today’s Zimbabwean Minister of ICT, Tatenda Mavetera, presiding over these shameful acts by groups like Young Women 4 Mnangagwa,” he tweeted.
In response to the backlash, Mavetera took to the comments section of Chin’ono’s post to refute the claims. She asserted that the individuals in the video were not members of Young Women 4 ED, the organization she leads.
“POINT OF CORRECTION, please note that I only preside over Young Women 4 ED, which is not captured in this video you reference,” she wrote, accusing Chin’ono of disseminating false information.
The incident has sparked conversations regarding the conduct of public officials and the expectations of their representation at public events.