Sizane High School, Mafakela Primary School Shine at Provincial Scouts Cook-Out Competition

By Denzel Tshuma | 21 July 2026

The Provincial Scouts Cook-Out Competition made a successful return on 14 July after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together Scout and Cub Scout groups from across Matabeleland to showcase their cooking, teamwork and practical life skills.

Teams of three competed in various challenges, with judges assessing food preparation, hygiene, fire safety and presentation. Participants also received first aid and burns management training from ACE Air and Ambulance Services, reinforcing the importance of safety alongside outdoor skills.

Matabeleland Scouts Travel Commissioner Gugulethu Hlabangana praised the event and thanked everyone who contributed to its success.

“All I can say, the cookout competition was a great success. The scouts really gave it their best and presented amazing dishes. I would like to specially thank the province for makingthis event a successalong with the schools, teachers, scout leaders and most importantly, the parents. I would also like to encourage the young people out there to join scouting. They should check with their respective schools if there’s a scout group ans they can join there,” exclaimed Hlabangana.

In the competition, the 87th Bulawayo Scout Troop from Sizane High School emerged as winners in the Scout category, while the 52nd Bulawayo Cub Scout Pack from Mafakela Primary School claimed top honours in the Cub Scout division.

Organisers said the competition not only celebrated culinary skills but also reinforced the core values of scouting by promoting teamwork, leadership, discipline and safety awareness among young people, marking a successful return for one of the province’s flagship scouting events.