Chief Dandawa slams resource extraction without community compensation

Mashonaland Central Senator Chief Dandawa has raised alarm in Parliament over companies extracting natural resources from rural areas without paying levies to Rural District Councils (RDCs) or investing in local development.

Speaking during a session directed at Mines Minister Winston Chitando, Chief Dandawa lamented the lack of accountability and community benefit. "They are taking our resources and we are left with nothing," he said.

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

Kambamura also highlighted a Cabinet-approved Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, designed to ensure companies contribute meaningfully to 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 benefit-sharing agreements and transparent oversight of resource extraction in Zimbabwe's rural districts.