Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MEN and people with disabilities have been encouraged to participate in the traditional cook-out competitions, which have been expanded to include diverse groups within the community.
Speaking at the recent Gwanda District traditional cook-out competition, held at Enyandeni Culture Village, Zanu-PF’s Gwanda North shadow MP, Cde Lungisani Ndlovu, emphasised the importance of the competition as a platform for community empowerment. He urged the public to embrace the initiative, which promotes indigenous foods and cultural heritage.
The event coincided with the district’s belated International Women’s Day commemorations and featured 13 participants—12 competing under the community category and one representing persons with disabilities.
All participants received certificates and hampers in recognition of their efforts. The winners will advance to the provincial level, with competition dates yet to be announced.
The traditional cook-out competition was introduced in 2021 by the First Lady to revive the consumption of indigenous foods, which have been overshadowed by fast food culture.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has been tasked with co-ordinating the programme in partnership with provincial and national stakeholders.
Last year, the competition was expanded to include tertiary institution students and professional chefs. This year, in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, a new category was introduced for persons with disabilities, and the competition was officially opened to male participants.
“In line with His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind in all aspects of national development, a new category has been introduced for persons with disabilities, and the competition is now open to men as well,” said Cde Ncube.
He highlighted that the event provides an opportunity for both men and women to showcase cultural diversity and celebrate the variety of foods and their nutritional value.
“It also brings back memories of our traditional way of life, which encourages the consumption of healthy, natural, organic meals,” said Cde Ncube.
He added that as the country observes Women’s Month, there is a need for a concerted effort to advance the rights of women and girls and eliminate all forms of discrimination.
Cde Ncube stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalised women and girls to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.
He encouraged women to continue breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.
“We need to address critical issues such as access to quality education, affordable healthcare and digital technologies, which remain national priorities. We look forward to greater involvement of women in decision-making and leadership roles at all levels,” said Cde Ncube.
“Research has shown that when women are empowered, communities thrive. Advancing women’s participation in key sectors of the economy, including tourism, is essential. Let me challenge our women to take up gastronomy and culinary tourism as serious business opportunities with dual benefits,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Gwanda District Development Co-ordinator, Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, said the district aims to improve professionalism among cooks. She noted that participants had been encouraged not only to focus on preparing exceptional dishes but also to consider professionalism in food preparation and presentation.
Ms Ndlovu stated that this approach would enable representatives from rural communities to adopt national and even international standards of gastronomy and culinary arts.
The winner of the competition, Ms Melissa Vanessa Dube from Ward 6, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying the experience had broadened her knowledge of traditional recipes.
“I had to research and consult community elders on how to prepare some dishes. This was my first time making some of them, and I’m pleased with how they turned out,” she said.
Ms Dube pledged to further refine her skills ahead of the provincial competition, urging elders to pass down their knowledge of traditional cuisine to younger generations.
“Our elders have a wealth of knowledge about indigenous foods, and I encourage them to share this wisdom with young women and teenagers,” she added. — @DubeMatutu
derick.khumalo