Wives of traditional leaders showcase their cooking prowess

WIVES of traditional leaders in Zvishavane District, Midlands Province, had the privilege of showcasing their cooking prowess, exchanging recipes, and engaging in cultural interaction during the Second edition of the Amai Traditional Cookout competition held at Vugwi Business Centre on Wednesday.

The event was a resounding success, with participants displaying an impressive array of traditional dishes.

In 2020, the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, launched the national traditional meal cookout competition, often referred to as “Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition,” with the primary objective of promoting the uptake of indigenous dishes.

The initiative aims to encourage citizens to embrace traditional diets, which are recognised for their high nutritional value, health benefits, and medicinal properties, particularly in boosting the immune system.

Event Co-ordinator, Mrs Yeyani Moyo, said the second edition of the cookout competition saw more than 60 women from Zvishavane display various traditional dishes and brews.

These were tailor-made to affirm the country’s rich cultural heritage, which is being preserved for posterity.

“We are seeing that women are being empowered by this programme. When it started, we never thought it would be modified to this extent. We are so grateful to the First Lady; she is doing a sterling job, we are humbled,” she said.

Ms Moyo noted that the cookout competition aligns with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy and dream of leaving no one and no place behind in terms of development.

Guest of Honour at the cookout, Mrs Fidelia Nyoni, applauded the First Lady for coming up with this initiative, which she says assists,especially young people to appreciate traditional foods.

She called on mothers and society at large to teach young children how to prepare traditional meals, which are vital to the development of the human body.

“We want to thank our First Lady for this initiative and for being a patron who is giving us a good direction that is even recognised by UN Tourism, which has given destination Zimbabwe an endorsement. It is something that reminds us of our culture, and is commendable. Traditional dishes are unique because they do not cause diseases,” she said.

Mrs Nyoni said the event brought together spouses of traditional leaders from across the district and provided a platform for them to share their culinary skills and traditional knowledge.

“The competition was part of efforts to promote indigenous cuisine and preserve cultural heritage,” she said.