Mine commended for empowering women, youths

TEBEKWE Mine, a Shurugwi-based mining operation under Mutovu Investments has become a beacon of empowerment for women and youths as it has started allocating gold mining claims to local mining syndicates, driving inclusive development in line with Government’s rural industrialisation thrust.

The initiative, spearheaded by Mutovu Investments chief executive officer, Dr Smelly Dube, directly supports the Second Republic’s vision of economic inclusivity and rural transformation which seeks to ensure that no one and no place is left behind in the country’s developmental agenda.

Tebekwe Mine, which produces an average of five kilogrammes of gold monthly which is delivered to Fidelity Printers and Refiners, is targeting to increase output to seven kilogrammes upon completion of its ongoing expansion programme. This output directly supports the country’s US$12 billion mining economy target, while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Over the weekend, a joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development and the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development conducted a fact-finding visit to the mine.

The delegation, led by Senator Anna Shiri, convened a public inquiry into the accessibility of mining opportunities for women, youths and persons with disabilities.

Following a tour of the mining site and a briefing on its operations, Sen Shiri commended the mine’s inclusive model. She said Tebekwe Mine stood out as a shining example of how mines should empower local communities.

“We came here as members of Parliament on a fact-finding visit to see for ourselves if women are actively involved in mining and we believe they are being given opportunities here, which is a positive development,” she said.

Sen Shiri commended Dr Dube, saying she has demonstrated that women can successfully lead in mining with access to claims and machinery, significantly contributing to economic growth.

Sen Shiri, who represents persons with disabilities in Parliament, emphasised that Tebekwe Mine was one of the few operations actively opening space for women and marginalised groups in the mining value chain.

“We’ve visited many mines, and what’s happening here is remarkable. This reflects the vision of our President, His Excellency Cde Mnangagwa. We urge other mining firms to follow this example in supporting community empowerment,” she said.

President Mnangagwa
Mutovu Investments has so far employed 410 people and most of them are women and youth. The company has also implemented a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which includes allocating gold claims to female miners at no cost, changing lives in a community historically excluded from resource wealth.

Chief Nhema, who accompanied the delegation, hailed the initiative as a lifeline for local households.

“We are grateful that our children have been empowered here. However, we are saying this is not enough. This may be the only company that has remembered our community yet we have many companies operating here, making fortunes from our land,” he said.

Chief Nhema urged other mining companies and businesses to emulate Tebekwe Mine by supporting community empowerment.

Several beneficiaries shared moving testimonies of how the initiative has reshaped their lives.

“As a widow, I now feel respected. I can send my children to school and improve my homestead using proceeds froim the mining claim I was allocated,” said Ms Abigail Churu, one of the female miners.

A youth, Mr Martin Sibanda said they are benefiting from the space they were offered to conduct mining activities.

“As young people, we feel empowered. We can now wake up with a sense of purpose, knowing our efforts yield something tangible. I want to thank the directors of this company. From my proceeds, I have managed to improve my life significantly,” he said.

Dr Dube said the company is determined to scale up operations and is exploring options to modernise processing facilities.

She said at the moment, they are using old hammer mills, adding that upgrading to modern equipment will increase their production and further support national output.

“We hope to acquire modern equipment to boost production. Increasing output will not only benefit us but the nation at large,” said Dr Dube.

She expressed gratitude to the Government for creating a conducive environment for women-led enterprises to thrive in the mining sector.

“The Second Republic has done a lot to open space for women in mining. Policies introduced under President Mnangagwa’s leadership have made it possible for locals to establish and grow operations that were previously the preserve of outsiders,” said Dr Dube.

-herald