Story by Providence Maraneli
MINING companies operating in Matabeleland South have been urged to strengthen their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental stewardship as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable development in mining-driven communities.
The call was made during the Matabeleland South Investment Awards ceremony held at Bluehills in Umzingwane, where government, business leaders and investors gathered to celebrate key contributors to the province’s economic growth.
Matabeleland South’s economy relies heavily on mining and agriculture, yet concerns have persisted over environmental degradation attributed to unregulated mining activities, including land damage and limited direct community benefits.
“Our goal is not only to attract investment but to harness it strategically, ensuring that local communities benefit directly through employment and infrastructure development. Those in gold cannot just dig holes and leave the community with nothing. I appreciate what you do for the province, but we urge you to strengthen corporate social responsibility,” the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe said.
The awards were meant to honour the brains behind investments driving the provincial GDP and saw renowned farmers and diasporans recognised.
“As we looked into the budget presented by the Finance Minister, we realise that as business, 2026 will be a good year and these awards are meant to further attract investment in the province,” ZNCC Chairperson, Mr Thomas Gwatida noted.
“We are so happy that we managed to win these awards. As livestock farmers, we are on a drive to revive the beef industry and this is what is driving us,” an award winner said.
“As a miner, I feel the environment created by the government is conducive for operations. We have been receiving a lot of support and these awards are meant to recognise good work and we are grateful,” another added.
Orange Ville Trading Pvt, a new citrus processing plant in Beitbridge was the overall winner in the investment awards.
