First Lady’s culinary exhibition draws widespread acclaim at ZITF
Blessings Chidakwa in BULAWAYO
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair came alive with vibrant colours, rich aromas and cultural pride as the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, showcased her celebrated culinary exhibition, drawing throngs of visitors to her unique Gastronomy Kitchen.
Among the visitors was Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who was accompanied by President Mnangagwa.
Presidents Mnangagwa and Chapo were impressed by the local dishes, courtesy of Amai’s Gastronomy Kitchen, and sampled the food, including maheu traditional drink.
At the heart of the exhibition was a powerful message of heritage and empowerment, delivered through the preparation and presentation of traditional dishes like sadza rezviyo, madora, derere and mufushwa.
The First Lady’s stand was not only a feast for the senses, but also a proud celebration of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and traditional diets.
Dr Mnangagwa’s commitment to promoting healthy, indigenous foods drew praise from both international and regional exhibitors.
But perhaps the most moving highlight came from the participation of children from Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chambuta, Chiredzi South.
Among them were Panashe Mureyi and Tinotenda Makuyana, former street urchins who have found hope and purpose under the First Lady’s care.
“My life has changed since I moved out of the streets. We are learning so many life skills here, especially cooking,” said Panashe, proudly serving a plate of derere and mufushwa.
“I never imagined I would be part of something this big. Thank you, Amai, for believing in us.”
Tinotenda heaped praise on the First Lady for being an angel of hope to them.
“Amai has given us a second chance. We are not just learning to cook; we are learning to stand tall,” he said. “All the food that is being served in the kitchen, I was part of the cooks. I am really proud.”
Their participation underscored the First Lady’s vision of holistic development, where children are nurtured, skilled and empowered to become proud custodians of culture.
Visitors to the stand were full of praise for the traditional dishes on offer, with Ms Marcia Munetsi among them.
“This food is both tasty and healthy. I had forgotten how good mufushwa and nyimo could be. My grandmother would encourage me to eat this when I grew up in the villages,” she said.
“Some of the ailments being experienced today are due to eating fast foods. I am glad that our First Lady is reminding us of our food.”
A Chinese national, Mr Su Xilong, said eating at the First Lady’s kitchen was now more of a habit than an event.
“I have had this dish several times. It is very tasty. The food is very good; I like it so much. I now even take such dishes at home,” he said.
An Indonesian official, Mr Panca Hendarto, was also impressed by the Zimbabwean traditional foods prepared by Amai Mnangagwa’s kitchen.
“I am glad with the initiative of the First Lady to have this kind of food for us. We will take this back home, strengthening our cultural relations,” he said.
A delighted visitor at the kitchen, Mr Bosman Matengarufu, said every citizen should make it a habit to take these dishes.
“We grew up on these foods, but modern diets pushed them aside. It’s good to see them coming back,” he said.
Ms Ruvimbo Choga, a university student, said it is not just food; it is their story.
“The First Lady is doing an amazing job reviving our culinary heritage. These days we were only used to fast foods, but thanks to our Amai, who is taking us back to our roots,” she said.
Mr Brighton Ncube, from Plumtree, said apart from being tasty, the food is healthy.
“These are the foods that kept our ancestors strong. They are cheap, organic and full of goodness,” he said.
Amai’s Gastronomy Kitchen was more than a culinary showcase; it was a heartfelt tribute to tradition, unity and the transformative power of compassion. – Herald