Chitenge Fridays at Proflight:
Proflight Celebrates Zambian Culture with Competition
Proflight’s ‘Chitenge Fridays’ celebrated Zambia’s colourful culture through a competition that invited participants to share their love for the iconic fabric. Over six weeks, four lucky winners received free flight tickets to any of Proflight’s regional destinations. All it took was dressing in their finest chitenge attire and sharing a photo that captured the spirit of tradition.
Every Friday, the initiative connected Proflight with its loyal customers and audience as participants dressed in their finest chitenge and posted photos on social media.
The chitenge, a staple of Zambian fashion, has over the years evolved from a common wrapper into a style statement, blending traditional nuances with modern flair. Each piece tells a story, with history woven into every thread and pattern.
Mungula Sepa, one of the winners, spoke about the fabric’s intricacy. Designs can range from simple blocks to complex colours, patterns, and textures. She highlighted how current generations embrace it now: “The chitenge was perceived to be old-fashioned in some age groups, but now there are modern iterations. I have quite a few outfits and I enjoy wearing them.”
The fabric also represents a cultural bond that unites Zambians. “We don’t have a single designated national attire because of our diversity—over 70 ethnic groups—but chitenge connects us all. It signifies pride, and belonging,” she said.
Winning the Proflight ticket was a delightful surprise for Mungula, who has set her sights on a trip to Cape Town. “I’ve never been there, but this opportunity from Proflight means I finally get to experience its beauty firsthand,” she added.
Two-time Proflight competition winner Rose Nakazwe shared: “As a woman, wearing a chitenge symbolises respect and our culture. We need to showcase our heritage in Zambia and beyond our borders. ‘Chitenge Fridays’ is a great way to do that.”
In 2023 Rose won a Proflight ticket to Johannesburg and hoped to return this year. “When I saw the competition, I participated every Friday for six weeks. The competition was tough, so I was thrilled to win again,” she smiled.
Daphine Luhanga saw the competition as a chance to celebrate local culture and win a special trip. “My birthday is coming soon, and I want to visit my sister in Cape Town. I’ve been flying with Proflight since 2019 and love their flash fares,” she shared.
Winner, Mwiche Chitembo, had a deeply personal motivation for entering. “My little boys are fascinated by big machines like aircraft, and since I can’t afford to buy three tickets for us, I saw an opportunity.’ The chiteng symbolises a cultured upbringing and good morals. I was thrilled by the contest! I love wearing chitenge because it makes me feel beautiful and connected to my roots.”
For Mwiche, winning a Proflight ticket meant the chance to introduce her children to the wonders of their country. “I would love to fly to Livingstone so they can experience the Victoria Falls and the Big Five. This will be an educational experience for them.”
As Zambia’s leading airline, Proflight remains deeply connected to the nation’s culture. The ‘Chitenge Fridays’ campaign not only rewarded loyal customers but reaffirmed the airline’s role in promoting and preserving Zambian traditions.
“Our culture must be passed on, otherwise with globalisation, future generations will drift towards other cultures. So, it’s great when Zambian companies like Proflight strive to stay true to who we are Mwiche noted.
“Proflight is more than an airline; we are a bridge between people, places, and traditions. Our mission is to provide a friendly, reliable, and efficient travel experience that reflects the warmth of Zambia. As a proudly Zambian airline, we take pride in initiatives like ‘Chitenge Fridays’ that honour our heritage while connecting our people to opportunities, both within the country and beyond,” concluded Proflight Director Flight Operations, Captain Josias Walubita.
