Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
AT first glance, one would hardly guess that the woman who stood tall in a crowd of chefs, dressed in white cooking gown with pride shimmering in her eyes, has no palms, left leg and toes on the right foot.
But that is the wonder of Mrs Varaidzo Chigidi, of Muchefa Village, under Chief Nyashanu in Buhera, who does not want to be seen for what she lacks, but rather for what she brings to the table.
And bring to the table she does.
Last Friday, the 62-year-old mother of three, moved hundreds at the provincial Amai’s Cook-Out Competition at Mutare Teachers’ College, where she was crowned the second runner-up.
Her traditional dish, rich in culture and flavour – combination of madora, nhopi, rupiza, beef bones and greens – did not just win her a medal. It won hearts, and told her unique story.
Mrs Chigidi said having no palms and feet has never been a hindrance to her.
“I cook sadza for my children all their lives with these hands. No palms, yes, but never a challenge. I was taught to cook using body parts that I have. And you should see me cooking, with ease and without pity,” she said, holding up her arms confidently.
She said her journey is one of pain, rejection, and incredible courage.
Born able-bodied, Mrs Chigidi’s life changed forever when she was just over a year-old.
“My mother had gone to fetch water, and she left me with other children. I was crawling and was burnt in sorghum residue. The other children were too young to pull me out, so they just screamed. That is how I lost my palms, one foot and toes on the other leg,” she said.
That fire may have taken her limbs, but it did not touch her spirit.
Growing up, she was enrolled at Jairos Jiri School in Harare for her primary education, a place where she found her footing.
But her secondary school years at Vhiriri Secondary School in Buhera were tough as there were no facilities for learners with disabilities.
She faced daily discrimination from fellow learners.
“They laughed and mocked at me. But I kept going. I had dreams. I wanted to be someone in life,” she said.
Mrs Chigidi returned to Jairos Jiri in Bulawayo after her Ordinary Level studies, thanks to a Catholic priest, who saw potential where others only saw disability.
It was in Bulawayo that her love for cooking fully blossomed.
“They trained me to use what I have. I was not allowed to cry or give excuses. Today, I can peel, cut, stir, and serve. I cook like anyone else. You should see me stir those big pots of sadza at celebrations or funerals. I always leave people shocked, looking at me cooking with no hands. My goal is to inspire, and not to shock,” she said, with a slight smile curving her lips.
Mrs Chigidi is, not just a cook, but a fighter, widow, sister, mother, and caregiver.
After losing seven of her siblings and her father, she now takes care of her elderly mother, and her only surviving sibling.
“I do get tired sometimes. Especially when seasons change, my left leg hurts a lot. But I cannot stop. I have mouths to feed, people who look up to me. I have a story to finish. And now that I will be representing Manicaland Province in the national competitions in Matabeleland South, I want to make this count. I want to win, and open my own canteen in rural Buhera. That is my dream,” she said, adjusting the cloth wrapped around her artificial leg.
Her dream is, not just about food, but breaking barriers, creating space for others like her to dare, try, and succeed.
“I want people to see that we, too, can do it. I am not half a person. No one is. As people with disabilities, we should not belittle ourselves because we are as important as anyone else,” she said.
Her story was the heartbeat of the provincial cook-out competition, an event that this year embraced inclusivity in a historic way.
Ten participants with disabilities, including Mrs Chigidi, took part, a first in the history of the competition.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi, could not hide her admiration.
“This year’s edition is breaking barriers by embracing participants from all walks of life, sending a powerful message of equality, empowerment and national unity through food. It is heartening to witness people with disabilities confidently showcasing their culinary talents. This competition has become more than just about food. It is a platform of empowerment and social inclusion,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Her words resonated deeply with Mrs Chigidi’s journey.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza was equally moved.
“As Manicaland, we are fully appreciative of the drive towards inclusivity that this competition has achieved, particularly in 2025. Indeed, disability is not inability. We have today witnessed 10 men and women defying all odds,” he said.
He also reminded everyone that this spirit of inclusion aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Disability Policy, which seeks to ensure that people like Mrs Chigidi are not left behind in national development.
But Mrs Chigidi is not waiting for inclusion to be handed to her, she instead, is claiming her rightful space.
“I stand as a voice for the often-muted dreams of rural persons with disabilities.
“When my leg hurts, I feel like I cannot do it anymore. But I remember that I am the first born. My siblings need me. My children need me. My mother needs me now. I have to keep going,” she said.
What keeps her going most, she says, is the desire to inspire others, especially those with disabilities, to refuse to be defined by their pain or limitations.
“To those with disabilities, I say stop relying on begging and handouts. Work with your own hands, or with whatever part of your body you have. Show the world your worth,” said Mrs Chigidi.
When she prepares her signature dish, the soulful blend of madora, nhopi, rupiza, and beef bones, she is not just serving food, but serving her past, strength, and hopes on a plate.
“I learnt to cook without palms. I live without toes. But I never gave up on living. And now, I dream of opening a canteen or restaurant in Murambinda, and eventually expand to Mutare where I can feed people, not just with food, but with hope,” said Mrs Chigidi.
She dreams of a place where young girls with disabilities can come and learn, cook, and be reminded that they matter.
“I dream of a Buhera and Manicaland where people stop staring, and start understanding and start applauding,” she said.
As the competition ended last Friday, Mrs Chigidi stood among winners, proudly holding her prize, certificate and various hampers.
But for her, the real win was not the hamper, but the fact that, for once, she was not seen as the woman with no palms. A chef with the heart and courage who defied odds.
Bongani Ndlovu