Tsenulo Moyo
BUHLEBENKOSI Nkala (30) from Esigodini in Matabeleland South province popularly known as “Umpheki wodumo” is one of the nominees selected for top innovation awards under the African Influencer Awards 2024.
Sourcing her products from Matabeleland South and Binga, Nkala has innovated a wide range of products using indigenous food products such as umviyo jam from the velvet wild medlar fruit, umkhomo jam from the baobab fruit, ijodo jam from the yellow water melon, indlubu soup from round nuts and iced tea.
Nkala was one of the winners of the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Traditional Cookout Competition in 2024. Buhlebenkosi said she was thrilled to be nominated for the top innovation award as it is an incredible honour to be recognized among the best innovators.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact and push the boundaries of what is possible as I keep my fingers crossed for a win. My biggest and best innovation was to think outside the box, start creating a unique line of organic products, showcasing my creativity and commitment to sustainability, and promote our gastronomy and our Zimbabwean traditional cuisine using wild fruits,” she said.
She said if she were selected as the best innovator for 2024, she would use the opportunity to market her business and express gratitude to those who supported her.
Nkala also said she would motivate others, especially underrepresented groups, to pursue innovation. Innovation is aimed at creative problem-solving and continuously seeking new knowledge to drive further innovation and growth.
“My journey started with a passion for sustainable living and a desire to reduce food waste when I began experimenting with wild fruits, creating unique jam recipes, and sharing them with friends and family,” she said.
She said her desire grew more when she participated in the Amai (First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa)’s Traditional Cookout Competition in May 2024 and the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi urged her to put her organic products on shelves.
She said one incident in her life that sparked an instant desire was during Christmas with her aunt, a skilled jam maker struggling to find locally-sourced ingredients for her wild fruit jam. She helped her aunt come up with a new recipe.
However, she said she started her business in 2024 and was still facing challenges such as manufacturing her products from home, which is unsafe, having little space at home, and not having enough equipment.
“To youths with a passion for food industry innovation I urge them to stay curious and believe in themselves” she said.
She called on the Zimbabwean community to embrace traditional food products in celebration of their rich cultural heritage as it was key to unlocking economic empowerment.
