Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in Gwanda
CULTURE and Heritage Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa brought a wave of excitement to the Matabeleland region as she rolled out her vibrant Zviperengo Cultural Quiz and Gastronomy programmes, captivating learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders across Matabeleland South.
The cultural showcase lit up the hearts of the multitudes who gathered at Gwanda Showgrounds in Matabeleland South, where Dr Mnangagwa, who launched the quiz earlier this year in Harare and the northern region in Mutare, led the southern regional edition of the historic and educational initiative that is reviving Zimbabwe’s indigenous heritage.
From the beautiful hills of Kezi to Plumtree, where there is natural and cultural vibrancy, the programme, which seeks to prevent the extinction of indigenous languages and promote all the 16 recognised languages of the country, drew participants from both urban and rural schools, who eagerly took part in exciting cultural contests.
The quiz celebrated the richness of Zimbabwean traditions, languages and indigenous knowledge systems, with a strong focus on local dialects, including Tshivenda, Sesotho, Ndebele, Kalanga, Chao, Shangani, Xhosa and Tswana.
The learners confidently responded to questions on izaga (proverbs), izitsho (idioms), izipele (spellings), izifenqo (figures of speech) and inganekwane (riddles) in their own languages, demonstrating growing pride in their heritage.
In true Matabeleland fashion, the children also showcased their culinary talents, preparing traditional dishes under the watchful eye of Dr Mnangagwa, who was warmly greeted in the TshiVenda tradition during her tour of the gastronomy programme.
Learners from the Tshivenda community prepared thebvu (marula seeds), vhuswa ha mavhele (sorghum sadza with dried vegetables), tshinyamadoli (dried meat mixed with marula nuts), mukoki una dovhi (dried meat in peanut butter) and jelly ya gwadi (juice from dried watermelon).
Pounded dried meat mixed with marula nuts (tshinyamadoli) is used by the Venda when travelling long distances because it does not spoil easily.
Learners from the Xhosa community prepared sityu nyama mfushwa (beef stew mixed with dried vegetables), makhowa (mushrooms), umxhanxha (watermelon mixed with maize soup), qhumatane (sorghum mixed with beans), gake and munyi (wild fruits).
Learners from the Kalanga or Chao community prepared hadza lezembgwe (sadza from millet), njetjebele (dried melon leaves and pounded groundnuts), amasi omcaba (pounded sorghum, a bit of rapoko and sour milk) and unkankalu (drink made from dried watermelon), which is slightly sweet.
Sesotho community learners prepared thopi ea le phutsi elokiloe buchi (thick sadza from pumpkin sweetened with honey), mashauri ekentsoe lebopa (mopane worms with fresh milk), lethethere la le ntente (cooked white sorghum) and myiyi with matokamane (nyii mixed with peanut butter).
The learners also prepared pelebele le moroho oa linaoa okentsoe lebese le lerato (sorghum with dried vegetables from bean leaves), leboche (honey extracted from the ground), legake (wild fruit) and babuo akentsoe lebitsi le buchi u ea noa u ea ja (baobab fruit with honey, yoghurt and juice).
Dr Mnangagwa’s Zviperengo Cultural Quiz Programme proved not only educational, but also a touching journey into the spirit of the people reconnecting generations with their roots and will also be used to champion the standardisation of languages such as Sesotho, a multi-dialect language.
As part of the hands-on quiz segment, Zaza Ndlovu moderated the quiz, with Mrs Edna Ndou leading the Tshivenda segment, Mrs Queen Madonko the Sesotho segment, Delelani Ncube the Kalanga and Chao segment and Mr Noble Mawungwa leading the Sign Language segment, asking questions that drew both laughter and learning.
The atmosphere was both electrifying and enriching as multitudes of learners, teachers and even parents were put to the test on family values, local customs and heritage knowledge.
Winners walked away with prizes, including educational materials, courtesy of the First Lady.
But the initiative went beyond competition, as the First Lady spoke passionately about reaching learners early so they grow up as individuals rooted in their customs, cultural norms and values.
Dr Mnangagwa said the programme is structured into two parts as the quiz show, which involves key aspects of indigenous cultural heritage such as traditional proverbs, idioms, customs and traditions; and the second session, which engages people in showcasing their culinary skills and prowess as they prepare and serve a variety of traditional foods, thereby magnifying Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage through gastronomy or cookout competitions.
“The competitions are about the journey of learning, the thrill of discovery, and the development of essential life skills. The reality quiz show challenges our people’s knowledge and critical thinking abilities, while the gastronomy competitions encourage creativity, teamwork and an appreciation for the culinary arts,” she said.
“Both competitions provide a platform for these young people to shine, to showcase their talents, and to build confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives. The skills developed through these competitions — problem-solving, communication and creativity — are invaluable.”
Culture and Heritage Ambassador Dr Mnangagwa said the reality quiz show aims to educate people on the importance of the numerous cultural dynamics that Zimbabwe has.
“It seeks to make people appreciate the importance of unity in diversity, emphasising the view that customs, norms and values vary and are transmitted in different indigenous languages by various communities,” she said.
“As people come together in competition, they will subsequently understand the norms, values and attitudes that differ from community to community. This should enable the children to ultimately appreciate other cultures, traditions and adapt to diverse multicultural settings in later adulthood.”
Dr Mnangagwa said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has chosen the Matabeleland region as part of its flagship provinces to continuously roll out the show, which is being hosted in all 10 provinces on a rotational basis.
The First Lady, who marvelled at the traditional dishes prepared by the learners, said this should groom people with skills to prepare meals so that they become productive citizens of Zimbabwe.
“The people are being capacitated in using ingredients from their local environments. To you boys and girls who are participating in this show, I feel proud that you are representing your families, communities and the nation at large in the preservation of our heritage,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa urged the learners to appreciate who they are and to recognise their national identity.
“I urge you to become ambassadors who confidently represent their own roots. Embrace this opportunity to learn, to grow and to have fun. Remember that the most important thing is to give it your best effort and to enjoy the experience,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also thanked Angel of Hope Foundation partners, tertiary institutions, including Midlands State University and the University of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council, educators, parents and guardians for their unwavering support of the programme.
One of the chief judges of the quiz show, Ms Maretha Dube, described the First Lady’s programme as a timely intervention to combat the extinction of indigenous languages and to promote all the 16 recognised languages of the country.
“Sesotho was once taught, then stopped in the 1970s, and later revived in 2011. We thank the First Lady for the initiative to revive this multi-dialect language,” she said.
“This initiative will go a long way in assisting with the standardisation of the language. We are very excited.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe said the Zviperengo Cultural Quiz is in line with the heritage-based curriculum, which helps preserve cultural traditions, customs and values, which, if not attended to, may be lost.
“From traditional dishes to modern treats, our young contestants pushed the boundaries of flavour and creativity, showcasing the diversity and richness of our culinary heritage,” he said.
“This programme is giving us an opportunity to come together, share in the joy of food and appreciate the creativity and talent of our young people. So, let us enjoy and celebrate the best of Matabeleland South cuisine.”
Minister Nguluvhe said people should support the next generation of culinary leaders, who will shape the future of the nation’s food scene.
As for gastronomy, he said the young chefs competing were not just participating in a cooking competition, but were celebrating the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation that defines the nation’s aspirations.
“We are also reminded that the future of Zimbabwe is bright and that our young children are the driving force behind it. By investing in their talents, creativity and passion, we are investing in the future of our nation,” he said.
Chief Masuku, in his vote of thanks, paid glowing tribute to the First Lady for the noble initiative helping to preserve cultural heritage.
The winning school in the Sesotho language quiz was Nhwali Primary School, Nopemano won in the Kalanga and Chao language, while St Joseph won in the Tshivenda language.
As Matabeleland bade farewell to the First Lady, one message was clear: the fire of Zimbabwean heritage is burning strong again, and it is lighting the way for the nation’s future leaders.
Among the dignitaries were traditional chiefs, including Chief Masuku, community elders, local MPs and officials from the Ministries of Tourism and Hospitality, and Primary and Secondary Education.
