Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MANICALAND has shifted into high gear, readying itself for the provincial edition of the Amai’s Traditional Cook-out Competition after the successful completion of district-level contests today.
The competitions, which have been running in all the seven districts, will culminate in the provincial finals at Mutare Teachers’ College on March 31.
This week, the province conducted district competitions in Chimanimani, Mutasa and Makoni.
In an interview on Wednesday, Director of Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion in the Office of the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya said preparations for the provincial competitions are at an advanced stage following the completion of the district competitions.
He highlighted collaborative efforts between Government ministries, private sector, and other stakeholders in ensuring the success of the competitions.
“The district-level competitions have been progressing well, and we are pleased with the level of participation. We have been working together with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, tertiary institutions, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and private sector, particularly those in the tourism industry,” said Mr Rubaya.
He said Nyanga was the first to hold the district competitions on March 8, followed by Mutare, Chipinge, and Buhera. Makoni held its competitions on Wednesday, Chimanimani held their competitions yesterday, while Mutasa will hold them today.
Mr Rubaya said the district competitions featured two main categories – community and People With Disabilities (PWDs) categories.
From each district, the top three winners in the community category and one winner from the PWD category qualified for the provincial finals.
“At the provincial level, we will have 50 participants. These will include 28 competitors from the district qualifiers — seven from the PWD category, and 21 from the community category. We will also have 10 professional chefs, two chiefs’ wives, and 10 students from tertiary institutions,” he said.
During the competition, participants will prepare two key dishes.
“The first is Zimbabwe’s national signature dish, sadza and highfields stew, with contestants allowed to use any locally available grain for the sadza. The second dish is a provincial signature dish, which must be prepared using indigenous ingredients found in the participants’ respective districts,” he said.
Mr Rubaya stressed that provincial signature dishes are crucial, as they showcase each region’s culinary heritage and encourage the use of local ingredients.
The competition’s primary goal is to promote gastronomy tourism. “By adopting traditional dishes, organisers hope local restaurants and hotels will incorporate indigenous meals into their menus. We aim to create a market for traditional grains and foods, making local dishes commercially viable,” he said.
Currently, few restaurants offer traditional meals, and hotels typically only serve them once a week.
Mr Rubaya said this must change, citing other countries where national dishes are readily available.
The competition also seeks to promote traditional meals among Zimbabweans, given their health benefits as rich sources of nutrients and alternatives to processed foods.
The event also aims to promote national identity, culture, and unity.
“This initiative celebrates our heritage and reinforces our cultural identity, fostering national pride,” said Mr Rubaya.
Online Reporter