Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
FOR most cashiers, a normal shift is marked by the rhythmic beeping of scanners, the rustle of shopping bags and the polite exchange of greetings with customers moving steadily through the queue.
But for Michelle Kabanda, a 27-year-old cashier at Spar Supermarket in the newly-commissioned Greenfields Retail Centre in Belvedere, Harare, one ordinary day at work turned into a life-defining moment — the day she found herself serving President Mnangagwa.
What began as a routine shift on April 10, 2026, quickly transformed into a memory she said will remain etched in her heart for years to come.
The President had visited Greenfields Retail Centre for its official commissioning and tour of the new facility as part of broader efforts to highlight investment, infrastructure development and modern retail expansion in Harare.
Among the many workers carrying out their duties that day was Kabanda, stationed behind the checkout counter, focused on her work as customers moved through the store.
Then came the moment she least expected.
“I was so excited when I realised that I would be serving the President,” Kabanda said in an interview, her voice still carrying the wonder of the experience days later.
“It really meant a lot to me. It is a lifetime opportunity.”
For the young cashier, the encounter was more than just a brief interaction with the country’s First Citizen.
It was a powerful affirmation of the value and dignity of everyday work — a reminder that every role, no matter how ordinary it may seem, can become extraordinary in a single moment.
Kabanda recalls the instant the President approached her till.
“When he came towards me, I felt excited and a bit overwhelmed,” she said.
“I had never imagined something like that happening to me.”
Despite the surge of emotions, Kabanda said instinct and professionalism took over.
“I had to remain calm and do my job properly,” she said.
That calmness, however, masked the excitement building inside.
For someone who had never before interacted with a leader of such stature, the moment felt surreal.
“This was the first time I had ever met someone of that profile,” she said.
“At first I was nervous, but I was also happy.”
Those who know Kabanda described her as composed, hardworking and focused — qualities that likely helped her navigate the pressure of serving the Head of State in front of officials, security personnel and onlookers.
Yet behind the uniform is a young woman with a story shaped by resilience, ambition and determination.
Kabanda is not only a cashier. She is also a former footballer who once played for Correctional Queens in Mutare, a detail that offers a glimpse into her disciplined and driven character.
Her journey, like that of many young Zimbabwean women, has not been without challenges.
Speaking candidly about her life beyond the supermarket floor, Kabanda said she balances work with family responsibilities and personal aspirations.
The experience of serving the President, she said has added fresh motivation to pursue her goals.
“It inspired me,” she said. “It made me feel that I should continue working hard and never give up.”
Those words reflect a deeper philosophy that guides her life.
“You do not have to give up in life,” she said. “You have to be strong and continue working towards your goals.”
That message, delivered with quiet conviction, resonates far beyond her personal experience.
Kabanda’s story speaks to the dignity of labour and the importance of perseverance.
For her family, friends and colleagues, the moment quickly became a source of pride.
Once news spread that she had served President Mnangagwa, congratulations began pouring in.
“My family, friends and colleagues were very excited,” she said with a smile.
“A lot of people started talking about it, especially after seeing it on social media.”
Indeed, images and videos from the President’s visit circulated widely online, turning Kabanda into an unexpected local talking point.
At work, colleagues reportedly celebrated the moment with her, while friends from school and her football days reached out to share in the excitement.
For many, it was a proud reminder that extraordinary moments can happen in the most ordinary settings.
What stands out most in her mind, however, is not the public attention, but the personal meaning of the experience.
“It means a lot to me personally,” she said. “I will always remember it.”
She has since kept photographs from the day, preserving them as cherished reminders of what she calls one of the biggest moments of her life.
“I keep the pictures and memories from that day,” Kabanda said.
Beyond the headlines and social media buzz, Kabanda hopes her story can inspire other young women, especially those working in the retail and service sectors.
Her message is simple but powerful: every job matters, and every person has the potential to achieve more.
“You should never give up,” Kabanda said.
“Be strong and focus on your targets.”
It is a message rooted in lived experience.
From the football pitch to the checkout counter, Kabanda’s life reflects discipline, resilience and a willingness to keep moving forward.
Asked where she sees herself in the next five years, she spoke with the confidence of someone who understands the value of ambition.
While she did not go into specifics, she made it clear that she is determined to grow both professionally and personally.
For now, though, one memory stands above all others.
In the steady hum of a busy supermarket, amid shopping trolleys and checkout scanners, Micthelle Kabanda experienced a moment few Zimbabweans ever will.
For a brief instant, an ordinary workday became history.
And in that moment, a young cashier from Belvedere was reminded that even the simplest acts of service can carry profound significance.
For Kabanda, serving the President was not merely a brush with power.
It was a moment of validation, inspiration and hope.
A moment at the till.
A moment she will never forget.
