Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa, Harare Bureau
HARARE has welcomed home Edith Takasimba, winner of the 2026 Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition national finals held at Mbizo Stadium in Kwekwe, Midlands Province.
Takasimba was welcomed at a ceremony in Harare yesterday, with provincial leaders describing her victory as a demonstration of how traditional knowledge and skills can contribute to women’s empowerment, cultural preservation and tourism development.
The national finals, held under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, showcased the enduring value of indigenous culinary knowledge, while highlighting traditional cuisine as an important component of Zimbabwe’s heritage and tourism economy.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Senator Charles Tawengwa, said the province had closely followed the competition and was proud of Takasimba’s achievement.
“The competition was not simple and was not easy, and we admired the courage that Takasimba showed to go all the way and bring the trophy and certificate back to Harare,” he said.
“We celebrate this as Harare province, and we encourage other women to remain open to such opportunities for empowerment.”
Harare deputy mayor and Ward 7 (Mt Pleasant) Councillor Rosemary Muronda commended the standard of the competition, describing the innovation displayed by contestants as impressive. “Women came out in their numbers to take part in these competitions and produce various traditional recipes.
“This is a nutritious heritage that will safeguard lives and remain relevant even as the world moves further into the digital age,” she said.
Takasimba said her journey from the community level to the national finals required determination and sacrifice.
“I started at JC Hall and progressed to Highfield, where we got all our motivation, and it was so hard, but we were told nothing is impossible.
“In Warren Park, they taught us to simply be ourselves, and that is where I got to number one,” she said.
She credited her family, the community and the First Lady’s Office for supporting her throughout the competition.
“When I reached the provincial round, I also got number one. At the national finals, our supporters brought us stoves and ovens, and I want to thank the women who stood by us.
“I hardly had time with my family; sometimes the ingredients we needed would only arrive late at night, and we would wait for hours. It was a very difficult time, but we pushed through.”
Dr Mnangagwa’s Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition was launched in 2019 with the support of chiefs’ wives and has grown into a national programme promoting indigenous cuisine and skills. The competition now brings together women, churches, students, professional chefs, persons with disabilities and inmates, with exhibitors from all 10 provinces participating this year. The programme has also provided a platform for communities to preserve traditional culinary knowledge while creating opportunities for empowerment and participation in the tourism sector.
