Zororo Taruvinga (39) is an agro-processor, farmer and culinary arts chef based in Harare. She is a passionate woman dedicated to promoting sustainable food practices and preserving culinary traditions. Zororo works with PELUM Zimbabwe under the My Food is African! campaign.
Zororo better known as “Zoro Nemugoti” says she has always been interested in creating unique flavours using traditional ingredients which has won her many awards and recognition throughout the continent.
“My mission as a chef is to create unique flavours using our locally sourced indigenous ingredients. The aim was to deliver wholesome nutritious foods produced from the freshest, local and quality ingredients that nourish both the mind and body,” she says.
“Zoro NeMugoti has been recognized with awards both in and outside the country including 3rd Best Foreign Exhibitor at Fascim Mozambique 2022, 2nd runner-up at the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Zimbabwe (SMEAZ) Local Legends Award in Export Development, Zimbabwe Young Female Farmer of the Year 2022, and a feature in SA’s Taste television show,” adds Zororo.
Zororo says she has always been passionate about food, particularly Zimbabwean food and when an opportunity came to work with PELUM Zimbabwe under the My Food is African! Campaign, she decided to join the campaign in order to join the movement on preserving Africa’s rich food heritage.
“Working with PELUM Zimbabwe and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) gave me an opportunity to showcase the richness of African food. My kitchen’s mission now is to celebrate our culinary heritage and educate others about the importance of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine,” narrates Zororo.
Zoro explains how her global experiences shaped her culinary journey, “I had the most amazing opportunities to work and study across the world, which played a large role in my immersive learning of new cultures, diverse cuisine, evolving traditions, and the adaptation of different techniques and preparations into my passion for African cuisine,” she explains.
Getrude Chambati (30), is a young entrepreneur (the founder and owner of Majestic Africa – a traditional food business) also participating in the My Food is African! Campaign. She says she has seen a surge in how traditional foods are gaining popularity among the younger urban population.
“Since I started selling traditional foods, I have received countless powerful testimonials about their impact. These days, many young people come to me to buy these foods which shows their increasing popularity among the younger population,” she says.
“This shows us that knowledge on traditional foods is growing. Through the My Food is African! Campaign, we have been able to reach out to many young people and share knowledge with them on the importance of traditional foods,” adds Getrude.
Bikita based farmer, Sheunesu Njeke (26), shares how farmers in his community are working with chefs and entrepreneurs to promote traditional foods.
“The chefs and entrepreneurs we work with are vital in promoting traditional foods. Together, we celebrate our culinary heritage and support sustainable practices that keep our traditions alive,” he says.
Zororo opines that only through uniting and collaborating across the value chain can there be meaningful impact in advancing consumption of traditional foods.
“By promoting the My Food is African! campaign, we not only honour our cultural identity but also empower local communities to embrace sustainable practices and healthier eating habits. This partnership is about reclaiming our food sovereignty and ensuring that our traditional dishes remain vibrant and relevant,” says Zororo.
