By Patience Gondo
CHAMNANGA was transformed into a vibrant commercial hub today as it hosted the National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) event, drawing dozens of vendors and service providers in what many described as a sign of growing rural economic activity.
The event attracted a wide range of informal traders selling food, snacks , agricultural produce such as watermelons, cooked maize reflecting how rural gatherings transform into platforms for economic empowerment.
Vendors said such events offer rare opportunities to reach large crowds and generate income in areas where formal employment opportunities are limited.
However, some traders expressed concern that the market space was too large compared to the number of buyers present, saying most attendees were students with limited spending power.
Sibongile Ndlovu a vendor said the low turnout of parents and community members affected their expected sales, highlighting the risks informal traders face when relying on event based markets.
Financial institutions and government agencies also took advantage of the gathering to engage with the community.
ZB Bank Limited attended the event as part of its outreach to schools.
ZB consultant Jessandra Ndou said the bank’s presence was meant to strengthen its relationship with learning institutions.
“ZB is the main bank used by schools and our attendance is a way of appreciation,” Ndou said.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) also provided voter registration and transfer services during the event, bringing electoral services closer to the rural population.
District elections officer Muyambo Adrian said the commission’s participation was part of efforts to increase accessibility.
“We came to support the students and also offer voter registration and voter transfer services close to the people. We are bringing services to the people,” he said.