Story by Peter Chivhima
Traditional leaders from Mashonaland East Province and their spouses have pledged to continue rallying behind the First Lady’s Traditional Cookout programme for the benefit of the citizenry.
It was a hive of activity as women of various age groups drawn from all nine districts of Mashonaland East Province converged at Nyadire Teachers College this Thursday for Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions held for the local community.
The oversubscribed event saw 20 contestants walking away with food hampers with the winners getting sets of kitchen utensils courtesy of the host minister.
The event was also attended by several traditional leaders from Mashonaland East Province and their spouses as well as the local business community and legislators, who rallied behind the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s initiative
“In 2021 I was also part of those who partake in the competitions but what I have witnessed today is something. I want to thank our mother, the First Lady for initiating the programme. She is encouraging us to eat healthy traditional foods. Honourable Minister, I also thank you for taking up the initiative. Where I come from people are embracing traditional dishes,” said Chief Seke’s wife, Mrs Naume Chimanikire.
“As Chiefs we are pledging to continue supporting Amai’s Traditional Cookout programme because we understand that there are medicinal benefits from our traditional foods. So we are going to encourage our people where we come from to eat traditional foods,” said Chief Mutoko.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Aplonia Munzverengwi said the Province remains indebted to Dr Mnangagwa for the noble initiative.
“As a Province, we are happy for the programme, guest of honour i now understand what you mean by promoting domestic Tourism. Today I travelled all the way from Harare to this place and I am now a tourist. What we have seen today are skills.
“Our First Lady is moving around the country promoting the uptake of traditional dishes which have medicinal benefits. Let us embrace the programme it will go a long way in promoting and protecting us,” said the Minister.
Guest of honour and the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Babra Rwodzi highlighted the significance of traditional dishes in promoting gastronomy tourism.
“We are proud of our natural resources as a nation. Our mother when she came to introduce the programme had a vision to promote our culture and our norms through the knowledge of preparing and preserving our traditional foods. Also what we wear defines who we are. I want to thank the First Lady for teaching me to be proud of who I am,” she said.
Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition was launched by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to promote the uptake of traditional dishes and gastronomy tourism.
