Picture: First prize Winner Nokutenda Tombindo receives certificate from UN Tourism Secretary General
The UN Tourism Youth Photo Contest, titled “A Journey through Zimbabwe’s Gastronomy,” has successfully showcased the nation’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of young photographers.
This competition, designed to promote Zimbabwe as a gastronomic destination, also aimed to stimulate interest in gastronomy tourism by highlighting traditional dishes, cultural heritage, and unique culinary techniques.
The contest provided a platform for Zimbabwean youth to express their perspectives and capture the essence of the country’s gastronomic heritage. Open to amateurs aged 14 to 24, the competition was launched on 10 June, with a four-week open call for submissions. The event attracted over 70 visual entries, each offering a unique glimpse into Zimbabwe’s vibrant food culture.
The evaluation criteria focused on relevance to the photo category, creativity, originality, artistic quality, technical skills, image clarity and the cultural significance and narrative aspect of the photographs. Among the entries, two outstanding winners emerged in the Gastronomic Artistry Photo Category, which celebrated the aesthetics and creativity of food, whether it be restaurant dishes, street food or homemade delights.
The first prize was awarded to Nokutenda Tombindo for her striking photograph titled “Maguru (Tripe).” Tombindo’s image beautifully captured the essence of maguru, a beloved Zimbabwean delicacy, featuring tripe complemented by the vivid green of rape, a leafy vegetable.
Tombindo explained, “Maguru is a dish deeply rooted in our culinary tradition. The earthy tones of the tripe, juxtaposed with the vibrant greens of the rape, bring the dish to life.
“Participating in the contest allowed me to deeply connect with my passions for culinary arts and tourism management. I met fellow African participants who shared these passions. Gastronomy is integral to my identity and character, reflecting Zimbabwean youth’s culture and pride, and offering a sense of who we truly are.”
The second prize went to David Sadindi for his evocative work titled “Family Meal (Sadza nemufushwa).” Sadza nemufushwa is a traditional supper dish commonly enjoyed by rural residents. It consists of sadza, Zimbabwe’s staple food, and mufushwa, dried vegetables such as rape or spinach, often served with a piece of meat.
Sadindi shared his experience, stating, “Participating in the contest was a transformative experience. Gastronomy is more than just food; it’s a bridge for youth to explore cultures, foster creativity, and spark innovation. It empowers us to share stories and connect with our roots through every dish we create.”
Both winners were honoured with an invitation to attend the First UN Tourism, Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 26 to 28 July 2024. In addition, they received a certificate of recognition from the UN Tourism Secretary-General and a monetary prize from the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The contest not only celebrated Zimbabwe’s culinary arts but also empowered its youth, providing them with a platform to express their creativity and cultural pride through the art of photography.
