08/05/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
Three students from Lupane State University brought pride to the institution after scooping top honours in the Student Category during the Matabeleland North provincial leg of the Amai Traditional Cookout Competition, which took centre stage on the university grounds.
The students, Sylvester Tanaka Sibanda (overall winner), Marcia Dube (first runners-up), Carol Sipho Phiri (second runners-up) from the Faculty of Commerce studying Hospitality and Tourism, confidently set up their cooking stations alongside seasoned chefs from across the province, showcasing not only culinary skill but also the practical training offered at Lupane State University.
The trio impressed judges with a modern plate that beautifully fused traditional Matabeleland ingredients with contemporary presentation. Their teamwork, exceptional hygiene standards, creativity, and mastery of plating drew attention early in the competition.
Their combination of technique, innovation, and respect for indigenous ingredients ultimately won over the judges, proving that the next generation of Zimbabweโs tourism and hospitality sector is already cooking.
Following their impressive performance, the trio will now represent Matabeleland North Province at the national finals to be held in Kwekwe later this month.
Speaking after her victory, Dube said she is ready to represent Lupane State University at the national finals.
โWith the way I had prepared, I knew I would win. I would like to thank Team LSU for nurturing my culinary skills and giving me the confidence to compete at this level. I have now set my eyes on the finals, and I am determined to make my university proud,โ she said.
Guest of Honour, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, represented by her Deputy, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, expressed admiration for the level of talent displayed throughout the competition.
In his remarks, he highlighted the critical role of culinary heritage in driving tourism, preserving cultural identity, and fostering community pride in Matabeleland North, emphasizing that food often tells the story of a place better than any brochure ever could.
Chefs from across Matabeleland North brought their best dishes to the competition โ from slow-cooked isitshwala paired with umfushwa to grilled fish seasoned with locally sourced herbs.
Judges moved from station to station, tasting, nodding in approval, and taking notes under the warm May sun, while friendly rivalry, laughter, and shared learning filled the air.
As the afternoon cooled, students, local communities, and visitors gathered around communal tables, sharing meals, stories, and experiences.
The competition ended not just with trophies and accolades, but with new friendships, stronger networks, and recipes exchanged for future gatherings โ further reinforcing the power of food in bringing communities together.
Enroll for the August Intake!
Apply now at โฌ
https://sis.lsu.ac.zw/
We are also having onsite admission in Bulawayo CBD at TM Hyper and CBZ Building starting on Monday 11 May 2026.
Bring certified copies of Birth, ID, O-Level, A-Level and academic certificates.
Application fee: US$15.00
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa
Cliff Chiduku
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
