Chiefs raise alarm over resource extraction without community compensation

Mashonaland Central Senator Chief Dandawa has voiced concern in Parliament over companies extracting natural resources from rural areas without compensating Rural District Councils (RDCs) or investing back into local communities.


Addressing the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, Chief Dandawa lamented the lack of accountability and benefit-sharing, stating, “They are taking our resources and we are left with nothing.”

Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura, responding on behalf of Chitando, emphasized that mining companies are expected to engage local leaders before operations begin and to formalize agreements that include community benefits. He noted that RDCs are empowered to charge levies, which fall under the Ministry of Local Government’s jurisdiction.

Kambamura also highlighted a Cabinet-approved Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which requires companies to develop plans that benefit host communities. He criticized superficial CSR efforts, such as building facilities that serve only company staff and cease operations when the company exits.

“We want input from the locals and the stakeholders,” Kambamura said. “Even if that company closes, the community must continue to benefit.”

The issue underscores growing calls for enforceable community benefit agreements and transparent oversight of resource extraction in Zimbabwe’s rural districts.