Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika
A European Union delegation that graced the monumental Amagugu International Heritage Centre (AIHC) in Matobo, Matabeleland South Province recently has pledged to support the promotion of cultural events in the country.
Showcasing during a food exchange programme at AIHC on Monday, the European Union, represented by Mr Geoffrey Poiccy from the French Embassy through Alliance Francaise, said Zimbabwe is a natural food core that needs to be explored.
“There are various healthy and traditional foods that have never been explored. Through such cultural expeditions and projects, the country can discover, experiment and showcase these foods,” said Mr Poiccy.
While sipping on a cup of mahewu, Mr Poiccy said Zimbabwe was destined to be the health and food hub of the continent.
“This is a great country. Investment here will be great. There is so much diversity and expeditions the country can take on. The EU is here to support Zimbabwe through all its plans and will ensure that it will become successful. Centres such as these need to be promoted and see that all people, all mankind is not left behind,” said Mr Poiccy.
He said the EU was working with Zimbabwe through projects such as Alliance Francaise which promotes an educational diascopy and exchange programmes.
“We expect the country to thrive through all the negativity. As it is, we understand the First Lady initiated a food program that promotes healthy eating and this is a first of its kind. Zimbabwe is democratic and the world must respect that.”
Mr Poiccy noted that the country also needs to focus on the production of African deserts that include exotic fruits.
“There are great strides in the development of the country. You have food scientists developing juices and sauces from fruits and vegetables. This is what Africa needs to be recognised. Food is food, we all eat food,” he said.
Mr Poiccy said through the promotion of projects such as natural energy production, the country would be successful.
“Africa has wind power, the sun and a wave of natural resources that are underutilised. It has geothermal power which has potential to provide considerable amounts of energy in many east African nations,” he said.
Mr Poiccy said the various projects that were being undertaken by community members had the capacity to turn their fortunes around.
Amagugu International Heritage Centre, in collaboration with the EU plans to hold a World Food Festival which seeks to showcase diverse cultural traditions and document historical practices for future generations.
Amagugu International Heritage Centre programs manager, Mr Arlington Ndlovu said the event was key for the revival of the Matabeleland region’s food industry.
“During such events we teach people which crops to plant given climate change. This is a showcase of the climate change resilience skills of the local people. We want to provide deeper knowledge into the role of villages in promoting food security, nutrition, and job creation in African communities.” he said.
Amagugu International Heritage Centre was established in 2010 with a view to document, preserve, interpret and showcase African culture, cultural heritage, and arts.
In pursuance of these broad objectives, the centre has reached out to schools and the general public, both local and international.
During the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held recently, the EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann heaped praises on President Mnangagwa saying the bloc is optimistic that Zimbabwe has the capacity to become the regional economic powerhouse.
He said some of the projects that the country should focus on are food and nutrition.
Zimbabwe has adopted a non-reciprocal approach to countries hostile to it and has instead said it is willing to be a friend to all and an enemy of none.
Last year in November, Ambassador Kirchmann commended Zimbabwe for its commitment to fulfilling engagement and re-engagement in an open and transparent manner.
Online Reporter