Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
FORTY-ONE contestants participated in the inaugural Catholic Church Amai Traditional Cook-Out competition held at the historic Old Kutama College in Zvimba today.
The competition, which attracted participants from the Roman Catholic community, including schools, is aimed at promoting Zimbabwe’s traditional cuisine and empowering communities through gastronomy.
Winners from three categories, including a special category for people living with disabilities, will represent the church in the churches category at the national finals set for Kwekwe at the end of this month.
Speaking during the event, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi said First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, had earned international recognition for championing the country’s gastronomy sector and preserving traditional dishes.
Minister Rwodzi said the inclusion of churches in the competition was in line with the Government’s thrust of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The initiative seeks to economically empower communities through gastronomy. Churches can become centres of empowerment where congregants establish food-related businesses and provide catering services during church gatherings,” she said.
She added that the competition, which incorporated students and professional chefs in 2024, had now expanded to include churches and people living with disabilities as part of broadening participation.
“We want people living with disabilities to benefit from this initiative and become economically empowered through gastronomy,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Speaking on behalf of the church, Sister Irene Manyemwe of the Chinhoyi Diocese said the Catholic Church remained committed to supporting the initiative and preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through traditional food.
“We fully support this noble cause as it promotes our heritage, unity and self-reliance among communities,” she said.
