A vibrant celebration of Culture, Heritage and Gastronomy lit up the San community of Makhulela Village in Matabeleland South during the 2026 edition of Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition.
Driven by the vision of the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, the initiative continues to preserve Zimbabwe’s rich culinary Heritage while empowering Communities through Gastronomy Tourism. The event, which attracted 22 participants including participants from the Community, Youths and Persons with Disabilities, reflected His Excellency The President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of leaving no place and no one behind.
The San community proudly showcased their dishes such as isthwala lezembwe, yoghurt yomukomba, zambana, mbambaira okudhala, amabele, inyama yenkomo and the renowned inyama yendlovu, highlighting their rich Cultural identity and authentic Heritage.
Officiating at the event, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi applauded the San community for preserving Zimbabwe’s Heritage through their unique Cuisine, dances and warm hospitality, describing Makhulela as a promising Rural and Cultural Tourism destination.
She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to promoting the region and elevating local delicacies, including madora onto International Tourism platforms in line with the First Lady’s call to champion Zimbabwean cuisine. The Minister also praised the inclusion of Women, Youths and Persons with Disabilities, noting that the Cookout competitions continue to create Sustainable livelihoods and contribute towards the attainment of an upper-middle-income economy through Tourism and Heritage preservation.
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