News / National
Mberengwa villagers praise Kuvimba Mining House
8 hrs ago | Views
Mberengwa, Midlands Province - Villagers in Mberengwa district have applauded Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) for generating employment opportunities for local youths and easing social pressures within the community.
KMH, which controls several of Zimbabwe's key mining assets, has been under the full ownership of the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), the country's sovereign wealth fund, since it acquired the government's 65% stake alongside private investors' shares.
Speaking during a community stakeholder engagement meeting facilitated by Silveira House, village head Tofara Zimi commended KMH for formalizing employment in the district.
"Since Kuvimba began operations in Mberengwa, we've seen a noticeable drop in informal mining. Nearly 100 youths have been employed, earning decent wages that are paid on time," Zimi said.
He highlighted the positive ripple effects of formal jobs on families, noting that youths can now contribute to household needs including paying school fees, while drug abuse and petty crime have declined due to increased productive engagement.
Chief Mposi Mupangeri shared similar observations, emphasizing improvements in community stability and social order.
"Youths are no longer idle. They're occupied with work, and incidents of violence and disorder-once common-have significantly decreased. We continue to warn them against illegal small-scale mining," he said.
However, Chief Mposi raised concerns over increasing water scarcity linked to mining activities, urging companies to invest in borehole drilling to alleviate the strain on both community and operational water demands.
The tension arises from the use of the community-owned Gambure Dam by mining operations, which has resulted in insufficient water for villagers to sustain livestock and gardening ventures.
The stakeholder meeting formed part of broader Environmental Social Governance (ESG) efforts led by Silveira House, aimed at promoting peaceful dispute resolution, sustainable development, and improved community relations in mining areas like Mberengwa.
Villagers remain hopeful that mining companies will respond to their call for better water management alongside continued support for local employment.
KMH, which controls several of Zimbabwe's key mining assets, has been under the full ownership of the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), the country's sovereign wealth fund, since it acquired the government's 65% stake alongside private investors' shares.
Speaking during a community stakeholder engagement meeting facilitated by Silveira House, village head Tofara Zimi commended KMH for formalizing employment in the district.
"Since Kuvimba began operations in Mberengwa, we've seen a noticeable drop in informal mining. Nearly 100 youths have been employed, earning decent wages that are paid on time," Zimi said.
He highlighted the positive ripple effects of formal jobs on families, noting that youths can now contribute to household needs including paying school fees, while drug abuse and petty crime have declined due to increased productive engagement.
"Youths are no longer idle. They're occupied with work, and incidents of violence and disorder-once common-have significantly decreased. We continue to warn them against illegal small-scale mining," he said.
However, Chief Mposi raised concerns over increasing water scarcity linked to mining activities, urging companies to invest in borehole drilling to alleviate the strain on both community and operational water demands.
The tension arises from the use of the community-owned Gambure Dam by mining operations, which has resulted in insufficient water for villagers to sustain livestock and gardening ventures.
The stakeholder meeting formed part of broader Environmental Social Governance (ESG) efforts led by Silveira House, aimed at promoting peaceful dispute resolution, sustainable development, and improved community relations in mining areas like Mberengwa.
Villagers remain hopeful that mining companies will respond to their call for better water management alongside continued support for local employment.
Source - NewZimbabwe
