By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Matabeleland South, Beitbridge — Beitbridge was a hive of activity as it hosted the 2025 edition of the popular Amai’s Traditional Cookout National Competition at Mabidi Sports Arena (Ronnies) today, attracting a lively crowd from across the country.
Hundreds of people from all provinces gathered to witness the national cookout competition, which featured participants ranging from professional chefs and tertiary students to community members.
This year’s event introduced a new inclusive category for people living with disabilities, underscoring Zimbabwe’s commitment to promoting gastronomy, township tourism, and community empowerment.
With four categories including, community participants, professional chefs, students, and people living with disabilities up for grabs, participants displayed their culinary talents, with cash prizes and hampers awarded to all as tokens of appreciation for their efforts, creativity, and dedication.
Speaking during the event, the First Lady, Dr. Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa, emphasized the importance of traditional cuisine.
“Traditional gastronomy cuisine is a key driver for the transformation of economies, community development and a catalyst for cultural branding for socio-economic benefits,”she stated.
She further highlighted the broader goals of the competition.
“The cookout competitions aim at promoting gastronomy tourism and the uptake of indigenous dishes. This coincides with Africa Day commemorations, reinforcing our cultural pride and unity,” he stated.
Addressing the significance of preserving cultural heritage, the First Lady added, “To ensure sustainability of our cultural heritage, create jobs, and empower our communities, we must leave no one and no place behind, in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income economy.”
She also called for increased appreciation and preparation of traditional foods, noting, “We want to promote the preparation and consumption of our traditional culture and food to get rid of cultural phobia.”
Honorable Albert Nguluvhe, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, praised the First Lady’s initiative.
“Her excellence has introduced an innovative platform that not only celebrates our culinary heritage but also fosters community connection and pride,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the importance of the event’s location in Beitbridge, describing it as a “rainbow district” and emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity.
“Since Beitbridge is a rainbow district( located in the rainbow province of Mat South), celebrations of this diversity remind us of the importance of ubuntu — ‘I am because we are,’” he said.
The traditional meal cookout competition, initiated by Dr. Mnangagwa in 2019, has grown significantly over the years. After its success, the First Lady handed over the program to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry to ensure its sustainability and wider reach.
Winners of this year’s competition reaped substantial rewards, further motivating participation and innovation in traditional cuisine.
The event not only showcased culinary skills but also reinforced Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and economic aspirations, aligning with national development goals.