Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
FOR generations, a deep-rooted tradition has prevailed in many cultures, including Shona, barring women from venturing into mining areas, believing that their presence will bring misfortune to the mining efforts.
According to ancient lore, women’s presence could prompt the earth to conceal its treasures.
It was rooted in spiritual and cultural practices linking the earth to feminine energy, and the presence of women was believed to block access to valuable minerals.
Yet, in defiance of these entrenched beliefs, Generational Wild Creations Gold Mine director, Mrs Judith Shadaya has, not only entered the mining industry, but has risen to become the national best female gold miner.
She was awarded the accolade by Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) in 2024.
Born and raised in the rural areas of Chivhu in Chikomba District, Mrs Shadaya grew up in a family of eight children.
After marrying, she pursued a hairdressing course at Mutare Polytechnic.
In an interview on Tuesday, Mrs Shadaya said her path soon took a dramatic turn after personal losses.
“After losing my husband and son, I ventured into gold mining in 2013 not knowing that it will lead me to where I am today,” she said.
Mining was, not the most obvious career choice, but for Mrs Shadaya, it aligned with her lifelong penchant for defying expectations.
“I have always wanted odd jobs even as I grew up. I initially wanted to be a soldier. At one time, after I got married, I wanted to be a truck driver. When my husband gave me money for my Class Four driver’s licence, I went and paid for a Class Two licence instead. I ended up meeting him one day while I was doing my driving lessons, and he stopped the truck. I was so afraid to go home that day,” she laughed.
Her fearless spirit has served her well in the mining sector, where gender biases and cultural taboos still linger in the country.
“As a woman, I feel proud that I am recognised as a befitting miner because I now get a few elbows from men. Most of them have accepted me because I do not fear being in a mine or getting dirty. The mining environment itself is, not conducive for women, but it has turned me into a strong woman who does not fear anything,” she explained.
Mrs Shadaya said despite the progress she has made so far, the echoes of old superstitions still persist in some quarters.
“Culturally, men just do not feel comfortable working with women especially in such industries. Back then, there used to be an old belief that it was taboo for a woman to enter a mine. They claimed that the mineral would just disappear. Some men still believe this, including traditional leaders. I have met traditional leaders who still believe that my presence as a woman brings bad luck in a mining field. They believe that it disrupts their rituals and blocks access to gold,” she said.
Mrs Shadaya’s undeniable success helped to demystify these myths.
“Now, most men, after seeing how I have successfully entered that industry and made it, they have started to be accommodating. They are now appreciating my work and encouraging other women to venture into mining because our gender or sex does not matter. A lot of people are now adjusting. As we speak, I produce more and more gold every year. It keeps getting better,” she said with a smile.
Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed.
Since 2013, she has amassed over 21 awards, including the prominent businesswoman of the year (2024) and national best female gold producer (2024).
The awards were awarded by Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).
“All of my 21 awards mean a lot to me. I do not care whether it is a first runner-up or second runner-up, an award is a recognition that you excelled that year, and I am proud of all of them. All of them lift me up and give me the power to work even harder and be even stronger,” she said.
Mrs Shadaya’s impact goes far beyond her personal achievements, and is deeply committed to empowering others, particularly youths and aspiring female miners.
“Most of the employees at my mines are young men and women aged from 18 to around 35. I plough back across the country. For the girl child, I gave some piece of land at my mine so that they can do their own mining. They take all the proceeds, and there is nothing for me because this is to empower them,” she said.
Through her Kingstone Foundation, she is also funding university education for four boys, two of whom were once living on the streets.
“The parents of one of them failed to pay for his school fees. I was in the salon when he came in selling some tomatoes. We talked a bit, and that is when I got to know that he had passed his O-Levels, but was out of school.
“He told me that he was preparing to go to a teachers’ college because his parents could not afford university fees, even though he had been accepted at the University of Zimbabwe. As we speak, he is doing his Nursing Science studies at UZ,” she shares.
Throughout her journey, Mrs Shadaya has drawn inspiration from her mother, Mrs Esther Bare, a retired Ministry of Women Affairs worker.
“My mother is my biggest mentor. She is now 88-years-old, but I learnt a lot from her. Growing up, I admired her a lot. She lifted me up, and is still lifting me up,” she said.
Mrs Shadaya also urged aspiring female miners to venture into land-based businesses.
“A woman must not fear to infiltrate industries like the mining industry. Have confidence in yourself, and conquer these male-dominated industries.
“There is nothing difficult in becoming a female miner. It is just like any other job. I also want to encourage women out there to venture into these businesses that have something to do with land, and this is farming and mining. You will never go wrong in those sectors,” she said.
Her vision for the future is as bold as her present.
She wants to build her renowned high school, which will offer excellent education to the whole of Manicaland.
“My hope for the next five years is to become a very big miner, and maybe the best in the country, not just the best female gold miner.
“I also want to venture into other businesses like the education sector. I want to invest in education and build a high school. I have already acquired the land, and I want the school to be the best,” she revealed.
She concluded by giving her Women’s month message to aspiring female miners.
“To every woman, your voice inspires change, your kindness nurtures communities, and your determination shapes the future.
“Celebrate your victories, embrace your growth, and keep uplifting others. Together, we rise higher. Happy women’s month, keep shining unapologetically and venture into these previously male dominated industries,” she said.
Online Reporter