Traditional Cookout Competition Lights Up Zimbabwe Grounds as Gastronomy Meets Faith
Harare, Zimbabwe — In a vibrant display of cultural heritage and culinary skill, the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfields recently played host to the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition.
The event, held under the theme “Moto weChitendero, Chikafu Chetsika Dzedu” (The Fire of Faith, Our Traditional Food), brought together over 10,000 congregants to celebrate the intersection of faith, flavor, and national identity.
A Vision for Culinary Empowerment
Representing the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, addressed the massive gathering. Minister Rwodzi lauded the church for embracing gastronomy as a tool for both cultural preservation and economic growth.
The Minister emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, highlighting the First Lady’s role as the “Queen of Gastronomy” for her efforts in:
- Revitalizing authentic Zimbabwean cuisine.
- Improving family nutrition across the nation.
- Integrating local communities into the mainstream economy.
“Gastronomy serves as a bridge between religious and tourism experiences,” Minister Rwodzi stated, urging the church community to commercialize their culinary talents by establishing canteens at gatherings to boost local livelihoods.
Celebrating Local Flavors
The competition featured 40 contestants across various categories, including Youth, Community members, and Persons with Disabilities. The air was filled with the aromas of Zimbabwe’s rich culinary history as participants prepared a variety of traditional delicacies, such as:
- Sadza rezviyo (finger millet pap)
- Road runner chicken (free-range poultry)
- Madora (mopane worms)
- Zvinyenze and Magaka eminzwa (horned cucumber)
Looking Ahead to the Finals
The event underscored Zimbabwe’s “Heritage-Based Tourism” strategy, which has garnered international acclaim, including recognition from Forbes as a top global destination. By fusing religious devotion with domestic tourism, the cookout showcased Zimbabwe as a culturally inclusive and diverse nation.
The winners from this regional heat have secured their spots in the prestigious National Finals, which are scheduled to take place on 25 May 2026 in the Midlands Province.
