Auxilia Mnangagwa Wastes Cash on Cook-Outs As Hospitals Crumble – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent – The government’s push to market Zimbabwean cuisine as a driver of jobs and economic growth, spearheaded by First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa through initiatives like Amai’s Traditional Cook-Out Competition, has sparked criticism amid a collapsing health system.

Observers question whether the programme delivers real benefits to communities or simply diverts public funds to flashy events.

Speaking recently at the Manicaland provincial cook-out at Mutare Teachers College, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, represented by permanent secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, claimed that traditional cuisine is “a strategic economic asset capable of transforming livelihoods.”

Critics argue that, despite these statements, ordinary Zimbabweans are seeing little tangible benefit. “The commercialisation of our food heritage is not just about preserving culture, but about owning its economic value,” said Minister Rwodzi, insisting that gastronomy tourism “has the potential to create jobs, empower communities and generate sustainable income.”

Launched in 2019 under the patronage of First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, the programme has grown nationwide, but sceptics say it is largely symbolic.

Connecting small-scale producers to hotels, restaurants, and airlines has been slow, with the majority of benefits reportedly captured by a few intermediaries rather than rural communities.

“My ministry is actively engaging hoteliers, restaurants and airlines to establish structured supply chain linkages between communities and the hospitality sector. This is not a dream, it is a policy direction,” Minister Rwodzi said, yet local business owners report minimal progress.

While the government touts international exposure—highlighting Zimbabwean cuisine showcased in France and a permanent gastronomy restaurant opened in Italy—critics dismiss these achievements as superficial. “This programme has positioned Zimbabwe as a rising global player in gastronomy tourism, while empowering thousands of beneficiaries at the community level,” Minister Rwodzi claimed.

Observers argue that flashy international events do little to improve conditions for locals, particularly when hospitals are collapsing and health services are underfunded.

Even tourism figures such as 1.77 million international arrivals in 2025 generating US$1.3 billion, are met with scepticism. Analysts note that such numbers say little about the programme’s impact on struggling communities or essential services.

While the government continues to champion gastronomy tourism as a national economic saviour, many Zimbabweans see it as a misallocation of funds—luxury cook-outs for show while hospitals and clinics fall into crisis.

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