Alarm over Matebeleland's disappearing mountains

 Traditional leaders in Matebeleland have sounded the alarm over the destruction of culturally significant mountains by mining activities, warning that the practice threatens sacred heritage, the environment and rural livelihoods.

President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, said communities are increasingly обеспinded by mining operations that flatten mountains without consultation with traditional authorities.

“These are not just ordinary mountains,” Chief Khumalo said. “Some of them are sacred — izintaba ezihloniphekayo. But miners come with letters and begin digging without engaging the local leadership or the communities.”

He said entire mountains have been reduced to flat ground in the search for minerals such as gold, leaving behind environmental degradation and irreversible cultural loss. According to him, these sites hold spiritual and historical significance that cannot be replaced once destroyed.

Beyond the loss of sacred landscapes, Chief Khumalo raised concern over abandoned mining pits left uncovered after extraction. He said the law requires miners to rehabilitate sites, yet many leave dangerous open shafts that fill with water during the rainy season or become concealed by vegetation. Livestock have reportedly fallen into the pits, sustaining fatal injuries.

Cattle remain a critical economic asset for rural households, providing income, food security and social standing. The loss of livestock, he said, compounds the hardship already faced by many communities.

Chief Khumalo said traditional leaders have formally engaged government authorities over the issue, and that their concerns were acknowledged with promises of action. However, he noted that some of the mining activities are being carried out by local citizens, making enforcement and accountability more complex.

While acknowledging that mining is a key pillar of Zimbabwe's economy, traditional leaders insist that development must not come at the expense of cultural heritage, environmental protection and community safety. Chief Khumalo stressed that meaningful consultation with traditional authorities should be mandatory before mining operations commence.

There has also been rising public anger over alleged abuses by some mining companies, including reports of forced evictions, pollution, habitat destruction and structural damage to homes caused by blasting operations. Villagers have cited tremors from mining explosions and widespread ecological degradation in affected areas.

Chief Khumalo further highlighted infrastructure damage caused by heavy rains, saying roads and bridges in rural areas have been severely damaged, isolating communities and limiting access to markets and essential services. He urged government to prioritise the rehabilitation of rural infrastructure to safeguard livelihoods and improve access to healthcare and economic opportunities.