Roman Catholic Church Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition
Roman Catholic Church Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition
May 23, 2026
The inaugural Roman Catholic Church Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition came alive at Kutama Mission in Zvimba today, highlighting the growing role of Churches in promoting Religious and Gastronomy Tourism in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the colourful event, which featured 40 contestants from the Community, Youths and People with Disabilities categories, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, applauded the Roman Catholic Church for embracing the inclusive initiative led by the Tourism Patron, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. She said the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions continue to empower communities, promote inclusion and contribute towards Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Minister Rwodzi noted that Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Tourism sector continues to grow, with International Arrivals increasing by 11% and Domestic Arrivals rising by 35% during the first quarter of 2026. She also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to advancing Gastronomy Tourism through a Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach, urging the Church to continue supporting the initiative as it strengthens Zimbabwe’s position as a leading Gastronomy Tourism destination in Africa.
The Guest of Honour described the Tourism Patron’s initiative as a platform for nurturing entrepreneurs and creating business opportunities while preserving Zimbabwe’s rich Cultural and Culinary Heritage. Contestants showcased traditional dishes such as mahewu emusekesa, sadza remapfunde, chimukuyu chinedovi, mbeva, rupiza, mhodzi dzemanhanga and gwatakwata, while the top two winners from each category qualified to represent the Roman Catholic Church at the National Cookout Competitions in Kwekwe on 25 May 2026.
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