Blessing Nduku
As part of efforts to promote Zimbabwe’s cultural tourism, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Barbra Rwodzi, has encouraged women to showcase their culinary skills and keep their traditional cuisine alive at the African Seventh Day Adventist cookout competition held at Mkoba Teacher’s College last week.
Speaking during the cookout, Minister Barbra Rwodzi, expressed the need to revive the nation’s rich culinary tradition.
Traditional food plays a pivotal role in developing a nation’s identity and cultural heritage.
It also shapes our values, beliefs and sense of belonging.
Our tradition has been lost due to the increasing preference for foreign foods, which are being perceived as modern and fashionable.
By working together, we can reclaim our national identity, encourage healthy eating habits and showcase the richness of Zimbabwe’s culinary diversity.
Rwodzi went on to say that these competitions were launched by the First Lady in order to revive traditional food practices and promote healthier diets.
The First Lady, Dr Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, initiated this traditional cookout in 2019 after observing a widespread shift towards foreign dishes.
They were initiated to revive traditional food practices and promote healthier diets.
Dr Amai even engaged traditional leaders and their spouses across the country and recognised them as the custodians of our heritage and culture.
She went on to encourage women to start catering businesses to generate income.
The the introduction of these cookout competitions, many women have gone on to open restaurants and catering businesses.
To every one of us here today, I urge you to take this opportunity, make money and take care of our facilities without much hustle.
25 women participated in the competition and showcased their traditional dishes.
As Zimbabwe continues to celebrate its rich cultural diversity, the Minister’s initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional practices and customs for future generations.
