By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Sithembile Ndlovu from Matabeleland South in Beitbridge has emerged victorious at the Amai’s Traditional Cookout National Competition, scooping the top gong and outshining participants from nine other provinces in the chef with disability category. The competition, held at Mabidi Stadium
Ndlovu expressed happiness and pride at her triumph.
“I am happy with the award I won for cooking at the disability category finals.”
Sithembile Ndlovu described the diverse and traditional dishes that contributed to her victory, including millet sadza, finger millet sadza, corn sadza, various meats and vegetables, dried vegetables like rudhe, pumpkin leaves (boora), (rupiza)mashed cowpeas, dried fish (matemba), roasted corn with peanuts, and a variety of fruits and insects such as nyii, madora (mopane worms), mhashu (locusts), and fresh harurwa.
She also prepared traditional beverages like watermelon, tsvubvu, and baobab juices, along with a cowpea cake mixed with wheat, milk, and egg, and matohwe fruit.
Ndlovu also expressed her joy and gratitude after meeting First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa, highlighting the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities in Zimbabwe.
“I was so happy to meet the First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa. She made sure that we, people with disabilities, are not left behind in the competition.”
The competition results are as follows in the Disability Category, Matabeleland South achieved number 1 followed by Harare and Mashonaland West in third Position.
Students Category Nyadire Teachers’ College (1st), Masvingo (2nd), Bulawayo (3rd)
Professional Category Mutare (1st), Hotel Kariba (2nd), Midlands (3rd).
Community CategoryMidlands (1st), Matabeleland South (2nd), Mat North (3rd).
The competition highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s cultural traditions through food.