Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
CHURCHES have been encouraged to embrace First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Traditional Cookout initiative and derive economic benefits from promoting the country’s indigenous cuisine.
The call was made by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi at the inaugural Catholic Church Amai Traditional Cookout competition held at Kutama College in Zvimba, Mashonaland West Province, yesterday.
Forty-one contestants from various Catholic parishes participated in the competition, which seeks to promote Zimbabwe’s traditional dishes while empowering communities through gastronomy tourism and food-related enterprises.
Winners from three categories, including a special category for people with disabilities, will represent the church at the national finals scheduled for Kwekwe later this month.
Mcclin Chito won the People With Disabilities category, while Sister Cynthia Muchiti of St Peter’s Parish in Chinhoyi emerged the winner in the community category to secure a place at the national finals.
Addressing delegates and contestants, Minister Rwodzi said Dr Mnangagwa had gained international recognition for championing the country’s gastronomy sector and preserving traditional dishes.
She said the inclusion of churches in the initiative resonated with the Government’s policy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This initiative seeks to economically transform communities and churches through gastronomy. Churches can become centres of empowerment where congregants establish food-related businesses and provide catering services during church gatherings,” said Minister Rwodzi.
“Our President always encourages us to utilise the resources and talents that God has endowed us with.
“These traditional meals are part of our heritage and we should take pride in them.”
She added that traditional foods also play a critical role in promoting healthy living and combating lifestyle diseases.
Traditional leaders who attended the event applauded Dr Mnangagwa for spearheading an initiative they said was reviving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
Chief Zvimba, born Stanley Mhondoro, said involving churches in the competitions demonstrated the First Lady’s commitment to inclusivity.
“The incorporation of churches into these competitions shows that Amai wants everyone to participate. These traditional dishes have medicinal and health benefits and, as traditional leaders, we fully support the initiative,” he said.
Minister Rwodzi said the competition, which previously featured students and professional chefs, had now expanded to include churches and people with disabilities as part of broadening participation.
“We want people with disabilities to benefit from this initiative and become economically empowered through gastronomy. The call by Amai to include churches was meant to ensure that everyone participates. Some churches that have already held their competitions include the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Methodist Church and Christ Embassy, among others.
“They will compete in Kwekwe on May 25.”
The minister also took the opportunity to educate learners and parents on the Nhanga/Gota initiative introduced by the First Lady. She warned learners against drug and substance abuse, early sexual activity and disrespecting elders.
“Kutama College is an iconic institution that has produced many prominent people. Do not bring shame to the school and your parents by engaging in immoral behaviour. Focus on your education and your future,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, Sister Irene Manyemwe of the Chinhoyi Diocese said the church remains committed to supporting the initiative and preserving the country’s cultural heritage through traditional cuisine.
“We fully support this noble initiative because it promotes our heritage, unity and self-reliance within communities,” she said.
Kutama College principal Mr Francis Mukoyi also pledged the institution’s continued support for the programme.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said the province was committed to promoting traditional cuisine as part of efforts to grow the tourism sector.
“Mashonaland West is endowed with unique tourist attractions and cultural heritage. Promoting traditional cuisine complements Amai Mnangagwa’s vision of preserving our identity while creating economic opportunities for communities,” said Minister Chombo, in a speech read on her behalf.
She added that the province was preparing to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in 2027, a development expected to boost the local tourism economy.
Chief judge at the competitions, Mr Rangarirai Mafunda, said judges considered nutritional value, presentation, confidence and cleanliness when assessing contestants.
“We were looking for balanced meals, creativity, cleanliness and the contestants’ confidence in presenting their dishes.
“Traditional food preparation should also meet high hygiene standards,” he said.
The winners applauded Dr Mnangagwa for opening opportunities for ordinary Zimbabweans through the initiative.
“I am very happy to have won this competition. This programme has shown us that disability is not inability. I want to thank Amai Mnangagwa for empowering us and giving us a platform to showcase our talents,” said Mcclin Chito.
Sister Cynthia Muchiti said the competition had strengthened appreciation of traditional food within communities.
“I am honoured to represent the Catholic Church at the national finals. Through this initiative, we are learning the importance of preserving our traditional dishes and using them for economic empowerment,” she said.
