Story by Providence Maraneli
COMMUNITY development initiatives in Gwanda have been strengthened following the disbursement of more than US$1 million in dividends to the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust by Caledonia Mining Corporation, through its subsidiary, Blanket Gold Mine.
The latest dividend injection reinforces the role of community share ownership schemes in translating mineral wealth into tangible social and economic benefits for host communities.
The development was confirmed in a statement by Blanket Mine general manager, Mr Elton Gwatidzo.
Over the years, the Trust has funded a range of community infrastructure and livelihood projects, with the rehabilitation of Gungwe Dam emerging as one of the most impactful interventions. The dam now provides a reliable water source for domestic use, irrigation and institutional facilities in the area.
“We are grateful to the Government and the community ownership trust. Our problems with water are gone. We are now irrigating and our boarding school has water,” said one community member.
Traditional leaders have also welcomed the continued flow of dividends, citing visible improvements in service delivery and economic activity across the district. Chief Mathema said the impact of the community share ownership model has been sustained and far-reaching.
“This event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort which began when our government launched the Community Share Ownership Schemes. From that moment, we have made significant strides in economic and social development over the years of implementing the socio-economic development agenda. The trust funds have been used for both social and enterprise development projects, notably the construction of clinics, school infrastructure, property development for the Trust, rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, poultry out-grower schemes, among others.”
Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust chief executive officer, Mr Coster Nkala, said the timing of the dividend aligns with the Trust’s newly adopted five-year strategic plan, which prioritises capital-intensive development projects.
“The dividend comes at a perfect time when the Trust has just developed its new five-year strategic plan that contains several social and enterprise development projects which require capital. Consistent dividend payments from Blanket Mine enable the Trust to plan and implement meaningful development projects that respond directly to community priorities, particularly in areas such as education, health, infrastructure and livelihoods.”
The dividend payment comes amid renewed calls by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the acceleration of rural development and inclusive growth, with mining communities expected to play a central role in the country’s development trajectory.
The continued contribution by Blanket Mine and other stakeholders to the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust reflects the Second Republic’s emphasis on responsible mining, community empowerment and shared value creation.
