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Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]

Today, Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo, toured Amai’s Kitchen, a restaurant owned by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, which is exhibiting at the 64th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.

They enjoyed the lively atmosphere at the site, where patrons were having a great time, dancing to traditional music that skillfully blends band instruments with the mbira.

WATCH here:https://youtu.be/6rTWYB6PAUo

On Thursday, First Lady Amai Mnangagwa is expected to spend the day at the restaurant where traditional Zimbabwean cuisine will be served.

At the site, traditional setups of the Nhanga and Gota have been installed, as the restaurant aims to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.

Amai’s Kitchen is a collaborative venture between Hotplate Grillhouse and the Angel of Hope Foundation.

Hotplate Grillhouse director Benson Muneri said all preparations are complete for the tour by high prolife delegates on Friday saying they are ready for yet another splendid exhibition.

“People can expect the usual array of African traditional cuisine meals, and for the first time, we are integrating it with the Gota/Nhanga/Ixhiba programme, which is Amai’s initiative aimed at reminding all Zimbabwean citizens of our rich cultural heritage,” said Muneri.

“There is the Nhanga for women and the Gota for men. It’s all exciting stuff that will be explored on Friday together with the First Lady of Kenya when they visit our stand.”

Zimbabwe boasts a rich cultural heritage equipped with traditional mechanisms to combat juvenile delinquency and other social issues. Its culture includes the “Nhanga” concept, where elders gather young girls to impart knowledge and skills essential for their development.

Boys are also guided by their uncles, grandfathers, and other traditional leaders at a forum known as “Gota” where they are taught and moulded into responsible men. Most issues affecting boys and girls are addressed in the Gota and Nhanga, respectively, where elders provide wise counsel and guidance to the younger generation.

The First Lady is revitalising these traditional values with the Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba programme, extending them to every corner of the country to ensure no one is left behind. This initiative is part of broader efforts to combat the moral decadence increasingly evident among the youth. – @mthabisi_mthire