In the drought-prone expanses of Mberengwa District, a quiet economic revolution is taking root near Masume Shops, where a community-driven Village Business Unit (VBU) is rapidly transforming subsistence farmers into commercial players.

The initiative, which focuses on aggregation, value addition, and market linkages, is pulling dozens of households out of poverty and creating a buffer against the perennial food insecurity that has long defined the region. At the heart of this transformation is the strategic facilitation by the Prevail Group, operating under the mantra of turning rural outposts into sustainable economic hubs.

Godfrey Tipedze, the Prevail Group’s Team Leader for Midlands Province, revealed that the impact near Masume has been nothing short of remarkable. In an interview on the sidelines of a field assessment, Tipedze stated that the unit has successfully shifted the local mindset from handouts to enterprise.

“The figures and the general mood in the community speak for themselves. We are witnessing a paradigm shift where villagers are no longer just looking to the next rainy season to feed themselves, but are actively engaging in the market. Many households are benefiting from the initiative through consistent income streams,” Tipedze said.

The VBU model operates as a central aggregation point where smallholder farmers many of whom cultivate less than a hectare pool their horticultural produce and small grains. The Prevail Group’s intervention provides technical agronomic support, connecting these farmers to formal markets that they could not access individually. Tipedze noted that the proximity to Masume Shops provides a ready logistical advantage, bridging the last mile between producer and consumer.

For years, the area surrounding Masume Shops was characterised by wilting crops and economic despondency, a classic symptom of Zimbabwe’s changing climate patterns. Today, the VBU has introduced water-efficient techniques and drought-resistant crop varieties, feeding a steady supply of tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens into the local value chain.

Tipedze emphasised that the success of the unit is measured not just in tonnage harvested, but also in the social indicators shifting within the community. “When we say households are benefiting, we mean children are consistently going to school because parents can pay fees. We mean rural women are gaining financial autonomy. The income generated here circulates directly back into the local economy at Masume Shops, creating a multiplier effect that did not exist before,” Tipedze explained.

The Midlands Team Leader acknowledged that while liquidity and infrastructure remain hurdles, the Village Business Unit model is scalable. He confirmed that the Prevail Group is leveraging the Masume success story to roll out similar interventions across the province, treating each business unit as a franchise for rural industrialisation.

As the sun sets over the Zvishavane-Mberengwa Road, activity near Masume Shops increases—a bustle of sorting, grading, and loading produce. It is a sight that signals a new dawn for a community long defined by hardship, now redefined by trade.

By Everisto Zhuwao

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Mashonaland West Province has purchased a new percussion set and two bugle trumpets to establish its own musical department. The acquisition aims to end the province’s long-term reliance on hiring outside musical groups for official events.

Commissioner Luke Zondai Makuvire, the officer commanding the province, handed over the new equipment at Chinhoyi Remand Prison on Wednesday. He stated that the arrival of these instruments marks the official start of a programme to build a fully functional provincial band.

“I am directing the band leadership to intensify talent identification and training,” Commissioner Makuvire said. He further urged the band members to work hard to reach the high standards required for national duties.

The province has previously struggled to host official functions without a dedicated military wing. The band in charge, Principal Correctional Officer Cynthia Bangure, explained that they often had to hire groups like the Crocodile Band to perform during events such as Prison Days.

“We aim to be fully operational for all official functions by January 2027,” PCO Bangure said. She noted that while the military wing is still growing, the provincial dance band is already equipped and available for hire by the public to generate income.

The band offers competitive booking rates to help fund provincial operations. PCO Bangure added that ZPCS officers who wish to hire the band for private events receive a 50 per cent discount.

This investment is part of the ZPCS Turnaround Strategy launched on May 15, 2023. This plan encourages the service to run business units, such as catering and construction, alongside its traditional correctional duties. These initiatives help the province remain productive while providing essential services to the community.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conveyed his deepest condolences following the death of Senator Chief Mapungwana, with Government describing the late traditional leader as a towering custodian of culture, unity and rural development.

The President’s message was delivered on Wednesday by Daniel Garwe during the burial ceremony held in Chief Mapungwana’s area in Chipinge, where hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to one of Manicaland’s most respected chiefs.

Garwe said the nation had lost a distinguished leader whose influence stretched beyond Zimbabwe’s borders into neighbouring Mozambique.

“It is with a deep sense of shock and sorrow that I stand before you today, on behalf of His Excellency the President, to mourn the departure from amongst us of the custodian of our culture and heritage,” said Garwe.

The solemn ceremony drew senior Government officials and traditional leaders, including Deputy Minister Albert Mavunga, National Council of Chiefs President Chief Mtshane Khumalo, and Senate Deputy President Mike Nyambuya.

Born on 27 October 1966, Chief Mapungwana was installed as substantive chief on 8 October 2007 and served his people for 18 years. Before ascending to the throne, he worked as a teacher for five years before joining the private security sector.

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Garwe said the late chief’s reign was defined by loyalty to his people and commitment to national progress.

Since his appointment, Chief Mapungwana served in the Manicaland Provincial Chiefs’ Assembly, the National Council of Chiefs and the Senate of Zimbabwe. From 2023 until his death, he chaired the Manicaland Provincial Chiefs’ Assembly.

“The late Chief understood development through supporting Government programmes. He was a father figure to the Mapungwana community who facilitated strong linkages between his people and Government,” Garwe said.

He added that the chief remained active in national affairs until his final days, having attended the 2026 Independence Celebrations in Maphisa.

Government reiterated its commitment to honouring traditional leaders for their role in preserving heritage, promoting unity and driving grassroots development.

Chief Mapungwana is survived by two wives, five children and four grandchildren.