Gold rush ravages Thuli river

The Thuli River in Matabeleland South has become the centre of a growing gold rush, with hundreds of illegal panners flocking to its banks in search of the precious mineral as economic hardship drives communities to seek alternative sources of income.

What was recently a fast-flowing and dangerous river has now been transformed into a sprawling mining site. Dry riverbeds and exposed islands between Chelesa and Sezhubane are crowded with men, women, pensioners and youths digging pits, washing gravel and sifting through sediment in the hope of finding gold.

The rush has attracted people from several surrounding communities, particularly Wards 11, 12 and 14, raising concerns among traditional leaders and environmental authorities over the impact on the river ecosystem.

Sezhubane headman Upson Ndlovu said the scale of the activity was alarming, with some panners now living along the riverbanks.

"People are coming from far and wide. Some are now living along the river while panning illegally. The river has been left in a bad state and the pits are a danger to both people and livestock," he said.

Ndlovu also expressed concern about growing lawlessness in the area, alleging that some individuals were using the riverbanks as hiding places while evading problems elsewhere.

Despite the risks and environmental concerns, many panners say they have little choice but to continue.

Rebokile Sibanda, a 46-year-old resident of Sengenzene Village, said gold panning had become her only means of supporting her family.

"My children need school fees, food, clothes and uniforms. We work in the cold without protective clothing and face many dangers, but we have to survive," she said.

Another panner, Elvis Moyo, said unemployment and a lack of economic opportunities had pushed many people into the informal mining sector.

"We are trying to get something small to support our families. We wish Government could help us with projects like chicken rearing so we can earn a living legally," he said.

The search for gold has also drawn elderly residents struggling to make ends meet.

Maria Tavengwa, 68, said she spends her days at the river trying to raise money for her grandchildren's school fees.

"We are appealing for assistance. We hear some elderly people receive grants elsewhere. We hope such programmes can reach us too," she said.

Young people are also increasingly joining the gold rush.

David Mpofu, 19, Clive Nyathi, 18, and Elia Muleya, 18, said panning provided an alternative to idleness in communities where jobs are scarce.

"We are unemployed. Instead of drugs and alcohol, we come here and work. It helps us support our parents," they said.

However, environmental authorities have warned that the short-term financial gains could come at a significant long-term cost.

Matabeleland South Environmental Management Agency (EMA) officer Simon Musasiwa said uncontrolled riverbank mining was causing extensive environmental damage, including land degradation, river siltation and increased flooding risks.

He also warned that chemicals commonly used in gold extraction could contaminate water sources, threatening aquatic life, livestock and communities that depend on the river.

"Gold may bring quick cash today, but if we destroy the river, future generations will pay the price," Musasiwa said. "These activities are illegal and must stop."

As the gold rush intensifies, the situation highlights the difficult balance between environmental protection and the economic realities facing many rural Zimbabweans struggling to survive in the absence of sustainable livelihood opportunities.