By Maxine F. Kundishora
Zuzephi Dlamini, a 63-year-old community garden farmer from Makokoba, Bulawayo, proved that disability is not inability after winning first prize at a cookout competition held in the city. Zuzephi, a mother and grandmother, who is hard of hearing refuses to let her disability hold her back.
As an effort to promote community gardening and nutrition, Africa AHEAD hosted a cookout competition held at Bulawayo Polytechnic, following the distribution of vegetable seed packs to 30 community gardens and 20 school gardens in Bulawayo.
This UNICEF-funded 2025 WASH and Nutrition initiative, supported by the City of Bulawayo and the Government of Zimbabwe, brought together 24 community garden representatives to compete in preparing nutritious meals using replica vegetables of the seeds they received, showcasing their understanding of a four-star diet ahead of their future harvests.
Zuzephi, representing St Columbus community garden, rose to the challenge just like the other participants competing against a 3-hour clock. Her determination and talent were celebrated in a powerful way as her dish impressed the judges and earned her first prize.
“It was a delight to participate, as I am passionate about both gardening and cooking,” she said with pride. “I grew up staying at a plot, so farming is not unfamiliar to me. I also enjoy cooking so much that I cook at small functions for fellow neighbours.”
“Representing my community garden was an honour and winning showed me that with a disability I can still break boundaries. Even as I am unemployed and depending on my small vegetable garden of tomatoes, tsunga, and covo to support my family through selling, I have hope that I can be a successful cook.” she said.
For Zuzephi, who at times faces discrimination due to her hearing disability, this moment was deeply affirming.
“I was so grateful that my fellow garden farmers saw it fit to let me represent them. Sometimes I do struggle getting part time jobs, such as child-minding, as some parents are not so trusting of my hearing condition.”
“However, at the cookout competition, we were treated fairly. There were other people with disabilities, and we participated freely. Some participants helped me when I missed announcements from the judges.” she said.
“I didn’t expect it. My community is so proud. I feel seen and valued. I also learnt new recipes from the other participants. Thank you so much to Africa AHEAD and UNICEF for giving us more than just seeds but hope for the future. I now believe more in my abilities.” she shared.
LEFT: Zuzephi receiving her prize for scoring first place RIGHT: Zuzephi preparing a four-star diet dish
Members of the St Columbus community garden were proud of Zuzephi, who brought home farming tools as prizes for the garden—a meaningful award that will benefit the entire group. “With this win, we will be able to uplift our community and use the tools to plough the seeds we received and one day cook nutritious meals for our families,” said the St Columbus garden vice secretary, Felicity Matsika.
Beyond farming and cooking, Zuzephi also enjoys knitting and dreams of forming a women’s community club in her neighbourhood to share talents, skills and ideas. “I am passionate about my community. I believe we can build something together,” she said with hope.
Thanks to Africa AHEAD, UNICEF, the City of Bulawayo, and the Government of Zimbabwe, women like Zuzephi are being empowered proving that they too can thrive regardless of age, gender or ability.