The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
WOMEN in Manicaland have been challenged to continue contributing to the country’s economy through traditional culinary tourism which includes the preparation and selling of traditional meals.
Speaking during a provincial traditional cook-out competition at Mutare Teachers’ College yesterday (Thursday); Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu who was represented by his deputy, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, said culinary tourism is in line with Government’s devolution agenda.
“The devolution agenda specifies that a province should contribute to the national economy using the resources that are special and unique to it.
“In this case, these traditional foods are part of our uniqueness as a province. Praising and marketing these traditional foods is part of devolution and the moment it goes to a different province, it becomes an export. Keep exporting your traditional food,” he said.
“Our parents fought for this country for us to retain our traditions and customs, but we failed them as we focused on processed foods. This is what the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, wanted to change with this programme. It is already bearing fruits and we would like to thank her for that,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Honourable Barbara Rwodzi assesses a contestant’s traditional brew. – Picture: Tinai Nyadzayo
The event paves way for the national competition which will be held in Mashonaland West.
The cook-out competition was spearheaded three years ago by Tourism and Wildlife Ambassador, Dr Mnangagwa.
Minister Ndlovu congratulated the 20 contestants for making it into the provincial competition.
He said they are a part of a larger group that seeks to restore the country’s traditions and customs.
“Traditional foods are very nutritious as they also help in keeping our bodies strong, while also preventing us from contracting various diseases. Most had shied away from our traditions, customs and preparing of traditional meals, but the First Lady came in with this programme to restore all that. She knew that these traditions define us as Zimbabweans,” he said.
Among the various dishes that impressed delegates were black jack leaves, roasted pumpkin seeds and dried okra dishes.
The three dishes are packed with health benefits.
Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr Moses Mhike; Provincial Development Officer, Mr Gabriel Jaji said the programme is in line with National Development Strategy (NDS1) which prioritises value addition when it comes to food processing.
“This is a chance to make money through traditional dishes. Opening restaurants and factories which specialise in traditional foods and grains is an opportunity that has risen for these women,” he said.
Mr Jaji said the programme has helped increase the exportation of traditional foods.
He also said the Women Affairs Ministry is readily available to help women create business plans and fund them.
Contestants pose for a picture with Government officials after receiving their hampers and avocado trees
In an interview, the chiefs’ wives representative, Amai Chief Makumbe (Mrs Tsitsi Chengeta) who was also a contestant, said traditional leaders’ wives will continue teaching the women in their respective areas how to prepare traditional dishes.
“We will continue taking the cook-out programme to the people due to the immense benefits it brings to the communities.
‘‘The programme has empowered, not only us, but our families and communities,” she said.
Amai Chief Makoni (Mrs Redempter Gwasira) took the first position,
Ms Angeline Muponda of Mutasa District took second position.
Amai Makumbe took third position.
The three will proceed to the national competitions.
The top two winners received stoves, pots, the national fabric and trophies.
The number three winner received pots and the national fabric.
Every contestant walked away with a hamper.
