Umviyo scones steal show at Matabeleland South cookout finals

THE Matabeleland South Provincial finals of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s traditional cookout competition were successfully held on Wednesday at the Esikhoveni Training Centre in Esigodini, Umzingwane District.

The event drew significant numbers of people from across the province’s seven districts: Beitbridge, Gwanda, Insiza, Matobo, Umzingwane, Bulilima and Mangwe.

The competition, which showcased the culinary talents of professional chefs, tertiary students, and community members — including individuals with disabilities — served as a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Introduced by the First Lady in 2019, the cookout competition actively promotes culture and heritage whilst simultaneously advancing the nation’s gastronomy tourism sector.

Since 2022, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has coordinated the programme in conjunction with other Government ministries.

**Clifford Kambare was first runner-up in the persons with disability category**

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, whose address was delivered by Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Nyanyiwa at the event, highlighted Zimbabwe’s increasing prominence within the realm of gastronomy tourism.

She noted with pride that the country had the honour of hosting the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls the previous year.

“Such an endorsement of the destination Zimbabwe by the world’s largest tourism governing body has instilled confidence in tourists as we have experienced an influx of tourists since hosting the gastronomy forum in July last year,” said Dr Rwodzi.

This milestone led to scholarships for 200 students in tourism studies and plans to establish a UN Tourism Academy for the SADC region in Victoria Falls.

“In recognition of the First Lady’s efforts, UN availed scholarships to 200 students in the field of tourism and the country was given an opportunity to build a UN tourism academy for the SADC region in Victoria Falls,” said Minister Rwodzi.

She said the recognition will enhance the tourism and culinary skills for local and international students.
Minister Rwodzi said Dr Mnangagwa’s traditional cookout competition was, in 2023, further elevated to the SADC region gastronomy competitions.

**Vialli Chinyati (middle) from Beitbridge was third runner-up in the Professional Chefs category**

“The inaugural event was successfully held in Masvingo and eight countries which included Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, DRC, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi and Nigeria participated,” she said.

This year, the second edition of the UN tourism regional forum for gastronomy tourism Africa will be held in Arusha Tanzania from 23- 25 April.

The cookout competition was divided into four categories, comprising community participants, professional chefs, students and people living with disabilities.

Among those who attended the event were Government officials from various ministries.

At the centre of the competition was the baked scones made from Zimbabwean fruit umviyo, which captured the hearts of many. The scones serve as an alternative to bread.

Judges selected the top three winners across all categories to advance to the national finals scheduled after provincial competitions conclude.

In interviews, winners shared their excitement and gratitude for being part of the event. Ms Sibanda, a student from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic who excelled in the student category, remarked: “I didn’t expect to win as there were so many talented cooks here today. I’m thrilled to be heading to the finals.”

Mr Vialli Chinyati from Beitbridge placed third in the professional chefs’ category, said he was bracing for the national finals.

“I would like to thank Amai Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for remembering us and including men in the programme. The ball is in our court now to make the best out of the competition and I look forward to winning in the nationals,” he said.

Ms Bongiwe Nkala, winner of the community category, expressed confidence about her chances at the national finals.

“I am starting now to prepare for the national finals and like last year, I want to bring back the victory home,” she said.

The winner and the first runner-up under the student’s category were both from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic.