ZAOGA Forward in Faith Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition
ZAOGA Forward in Faith Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition
May 23, 2026
A colourful celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich Culinary Heritage and fellowship came alive today at Africa Multination for Christ College in Glenview, Harare as the inaugural Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Forward in Faith Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions showcased the growing role of Churches in promoting Religious Tourism and Gastronomy Tourism. The event attracted 48 contestants from the Community, Youth, Couples and People with Disabilities categories, reflecting Zimbabwe’s commitment towards Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. Traditional dishes and indigenous delicacies including sadza swiss rolls, mhodzi dzemanhanga, hohwa hunedovi, harurwa, mutsine, madora, matamba and tsubvu were proudly showcased, celebrating Zimbabwean identity, healthy eating and the country’s Heritage-Based Economy while promoting pride in local culture and traditions.
Officiating at the event, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Barbara Rwodzi described Tourism as a key pillar towards Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and upper middle-income society status, highlighting the country’s rich Heritage and warm hospitality as major Tourism assets. She applauded the Tourism Patron, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for championing Inclusive programmes such as the Traditional Cookout Competitions and AgroTourism4She initiative which are empowering Communities, preserving Indigenous knowledge systems and creating Sustainable livelihoods in line with the Government’s devolution agenda of leaving no one and no place behind. Minister Rwodzi urged ZAOGA to establish canteens where contestants can prepare and sell traditional dishes to congregants, transforming culinary skills into income-generating ventures that contribute to the Gross Domestic Product. The top two winners from each category will represent ZAOGA at the National Finals set for Kwekwe on 25 May 2026.
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