Story by Providence Maraneli
MATABELELAND SOUTH – SMALL-scale miners in Matabeleland South Province have been urged to form cooperatives to achieve sustainable growth as the country pursues a mining-driven transformed society.
Speaking during an engagement with the business community, miners, local councils and traditional leaders on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, lamented the environmental damage caused by unregulated mining activities and urged miners to embrace unity and formal structures.
“You contribute 40 percent of gold deliveries to Fidelity, yet you remain illegal miners. Why not get organised? This is the only way we can secure equipment and resources to support you. The current trend of random pit digging across the province is unsustainable. We must move towards unity of purpose if we are to develop our province,” Honourable Nguluvhe said.
Matabeleland South Province has, however, experienced massive growth, riding on the devolution programme implemented by the Second Republic.
“Devolution has been a key driver of growth in Gwanda. We have constructed Tshanyaugwe Clinic, and mothers’ shelters in Mashaba and Garanyemba. Funds have also been directed towards broader infrastructure development,” Gwanda Rural District Council CEO, Mr Ranganai Sibanda noted.
Gwanda Mayor, Councillor Thulani Moyo, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the municipality’s commitment to aligning local initiatives with national aspirations.
“We are guided by the vision of the President, and as local authorities, we are working tirelessly to realise that vision. Gwanda is on a growth trajectory, and we are actively pursuing city status, in line with the call to action for enhanced service delivery.”
Matabeleland South boasts of rich mineral deposits with major mining firms, which include Blanket and How Mine contributing to the national gold reserves.
