By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
The lakeside town of Kariba was alive with activity as more than 3000 school heads flocked in for the National Association of Primary School Heads (NAPH) conference — a gathering that proved to be both a blessing and a headache for the local community.
Hosted at the scenic Waterfront Resort at Mopani Bay Camping Site, the conference drew educational leaders from all ten provinces. With the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Torerai Moyo, headlining the event, Kariba enjoyed a tourism boom that filled hotels, eateries, and recreational spots.
But behind the celebratory atmosphere was a quieter story of frustration, especially among landlords who saw the event as a once-in-a-year opportunity — only for their plans to backfire.
In anticipation of high demand, many landlords issued hurried notices to their long-term tenants, making room for delegates at premium prices.
Rooms were going for as much as $10 per head, and with some rooms accommodating up to four people, the projected earnings seemed irresistible.
Some schools, like Nyamhunga Primary, opted for far cheaper in-house accommodation, charging just $3 per person, undercutting private landlords dramatically.
“I had to notify my long-term tenants to make way for the conference heads,” said local landlord Nelson Chikuku, visibly frustrated.
“It was an opportunity to make good money, but when I saw some schools bringing their own arrangements, it was disheartening. We shouldn’t undercut each other like this.”
The disappointment wasn’t limited to landlords. Kariba’s taxi drivers had expected brisk business ferrying delegates around town — especially the five-kilometer stretch to Mopani Bay.
But instead of hailing cabs, many delegates simply chose to walk.
Some cited cost-saving; others said walking in groups made them feel safer from Kariba’s free-roaming elephants.
“I was expecting a busy week, but instead I ended up sitting idle,” said taxi driver Mashal Mushore. “It’s disappointing to see school heads walking. They want to save, but we also need to eat.”
Despite the logistical hiccups, the conference once again positioned Kariba as a strong contender for hosting large national events.
Delegate allowances — ranging from $800 for local participants to over $1,000 for those traveling from afar — injected welcome cash into the town’s economy.
But the mixed experiences revealed the need for better coordination between event organizers and local service providers.
As Kariba looks forward to hosting more educational and corporate gatherings, stakeholders agree on one thing: clear communication and planning are essential to ensure that both visitors and the local community benefit.
The NAPH conference brought energy, visibility, and revenue — but also a reminder that opportunity, when poorly synchronized, can slip through the fingers of those who need it most.
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