Story by Aifheli Mudau reporting
LARGE-SCALE iron exploration is attracting fresh foreign investment into Beitbridge District, as the Second Republic intensifies efforts to unlock mineral wealth and stimulate rural industrialisation.
The investment drive was highlighted during a stakeholder engagement with prospective investors exploring iron deposits in the district.
Local communities have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the project will create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods.
“The coming of this mine in our area is giving us confidence as youths that we are going to benefit from employment so that we can drive development in our Beitbridge district,” Cde Masiya said.
Traditional leaders also expressed hope that the investment will bring lasting social and economic benefits.
“The coming of investors in our area means job security to our children, and we will be assisted in developing our clinics and schools so that everyone benefits,” Headman Tshinoni said.
Ward 3 Councillor Oscar Chiromo said the project has the potential to transform rural communities.
“This project, once it starts rolling, means a lot of benefits to our rural communities. It also gives honour to our local villagers because they will be working from home and developing their area,” he said.
The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe who is also the Beitbridge East legislator, described investment as a key driver of rural industrialisation and infrastructure development.
“As Government, we welcome investors, so we asked them to prioritise employing locals. As a mine, we are looking forward to meaningful development that includes schools, clinics and road networks,” he said.
The latest exploration comes as Beitbridge continues to attract major mining investments, with large-scale operations such as Palm River Energy already providing formal employment opportunities for local communities.
