Source: British ambassador charms Bulawayo residents – herald
Peter Matika
Bulawayo Bureau
IT is not every day that a seasoned diplomat trades formal engagements for sunrise jogs, street-side banter and hands-on cooking sessions.
But for British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles, Bulawayo proved too captivating to resist.
During his recent visit to Bulawayo for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Ambassador Vowles appeared to set aside protocol and embrace the city’s everyday rhythm — winning the hearts of local residents with his easy-going charm and genuine curiosity.
From the early hours of the morning, the envoy could be seen jogging through Bulawayo’s tree-lined boulevard, greeting passers-by and blending seamlessly into the city’s calm, welcoming atmosphere.
Dressed in simple running gear, he looked less like a visiting dignitary and more like a familiar face in the neighbourhood.
“Bulawayo has a soul. There’s an energy here that draws you in,” he remarked, clearly taken by the warmth and character of the city.
But it was the city’s iconic pies that seemed to win him over completely.
A visit to Oriental Pies quickly became one of the highlights of his stay, with the ambassador openly declaring his fondness for the local favourite.
“Well, I loved my Oriental Pie so much that we had to go back and buy a whole load more…,” he shared on his Facebook page, much to the delight of residents.
Beyond the food, Ambassador Vowles immersed himself in Zimbabwe’s rich cultural traditions during an interactive cooking session hosted by the First Lady, Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, on the sidelines of ZITF.
Rolling up his sleeves, he joined in preparing traditional dishes — stirring pots, learning techniques and engaging with local participants in an experience that celebrated heritage and hospitality.
“It was extraordinary. Food has a way of bringing people together, and this was something truly special,” he said.
Throughout his visit, the ambassador consistently emphasised the importance of supporting local enterprise, taking time to interact with small business owners and traders, showing keen interest in their work and products.
For many in Bulawayo, his down-to-earth approach left a lasting impression.
“He’s one of us now. Anyone who loves our pies like that is family,” joked one vendor who crossed paths with him during a morning run.
As the curtains came down on the ZITF, it was clear that Bulawayo had made a lasting impression on the British envoy — not just as a destination, but as a lived experience shaped by its people, culture and unmistakable charm.
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