Highfield, Harare colonial era, the first being Mbare (National) which was known by locals as "Haarare" or "Haarari" which gave its name to the modern capital of Zimbabwe, Harare. Haarare which translates to "ever vigilant" or directly as "one who never sleeps" was also a name given to the Zezuru Chief of this area, Chief Harawa. Highfield was established to accommodate workers employed in the nearby industrial zones of Southerton and Workington in similar fashion to how Mbare had been set up to provide for those employed in Workington, Graniteside and as domestic labour to European households in the city's northern and
Mbare, Harare and neighbouring countries. Trade and transport are the pillars of economy in Mbare. Mbare has six government primary schools: Chirodzo, Gwinyai, Chitsere, Shingirai and Nharira. There are three faith schools: St Peter's Roman Catholic School, Chiedza, a Salvation Army church school, and Anglican-run St. Michaels Primary School. The four secondary schools in Mbare are Harare High School, George Stark, St Peters High School and Mbare High School. Hospitals in the area include Edith Oppermann Maternity Wing and Clinic, Mbare Flats Clinic, Matapi clinic and Beatrice Road Infectious Disease hospital. Mbare's features include Rufaro stadium, which hosted the sixth African Games.