Story byTafara Chikumira, Midlands Bureau Chief
SHURUGWI-A Shurugwi-based woman-led mining company, Tebekwe Mine, operating under Mutovu Investments, has become a beacon of empowerment after availing two hectares of its mining claims to over 200 local mining syndicates, in a move that is set to transform livelihoods within the community.
The initiative, led by Dr Smelly Dube, a woman at the helm of Mutovu Investments, is in sync with government’s rural industrialisation thrust and the broader inclusive development agenda, by enabling marginalised communities to participate meaningfully in the mining sector.
Local traditional leadership has commended the initiative, noting its direct impact on household incomes and community upliftment.
“I must admit that this company is indeed exceptional. We are grateful that our children have been empowered here. However, we are saying this is not enough. This may be the only company that has remembered our community, yet we have multimillion-dollar companies operating here, making fortunes from our land. We urge such entities to follow suit and support community empowerment,” Chief Nhema said.
Beneficiaries of the initiative, including women and youth, testified to the life-changing impact of being granted access to mine shafts at no cost.
“As a woman, I must admit that the offer has given me status in my home. Since I started working on my shaft, everything has changed. I am now sending my children to school and developing my homestead, even as a widow,” a woman beneficiary said.
“As young people, we feel empowered. We can now wake up with a sense of purpose, knowing our efforts yield something tangible. I want to thank the directors of this company. From my proceeds, I’ve managed to improve my life significantly,” a youth beneficiary said.
Currently employing over 150 workers directly, the company is focused on scaling up production to enhance its contribution to the national economy.
“At the moment, we are using old hammer mills to process our ores. We hope to acquire modern equipment to boost production volumes. Increasing output will not only benefit us but the nation at large. We remain grateful to government for opening up space for women in mining,” CEO – Mutovu Investments, Dr Smelly Dube said.
A joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development and Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development toured the mine this week and praised the company’s model as a benchmark for inclusive economic empowerment.
“We have visited several mines in our oversight role, and what we have seen here is remarkable. Women and people with disabilities have been given a chance to thrive. This reflects the vision of our President, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa. We encourage similar efforts nationwide to advance development,” Chairperson – Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Anna Shiri said.
Mutovu Investments currently contributes an average of five kilogrammes of gold per month to Fidelity Printers and Refiners, with plans to increase output to seven kilogrammes once its ongoing expansion project is completed.
