admin
Africa Moyo in HWANGE
Hwange-based coal miner South Mining (Private) Limited has heeded President Mnangagwa’s call for mining companies to plough back into the community, after shelling out US$600 000 for the construction of a community library.
While commissioning a gold mining firm, Radnor Mining in Mudzi last year, President Mnangagwa said mining firms operating in Zimbabwe must “leave a positive legacy for communities even when the mine has exhausted its lifespan”.
So South Mining constructed an imposing library in Hwange’s Empumalanga high density suburb.
The library, constructed on 2 500 square metres of land provided by the Hwange Local Board, was commissioned last Thursday.
It has a reading section where there are physical books, and a computer section where there’s internet access.
The library was officially commissioned by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa at a colourful ceremony.
Some senior Government officials, representatives of mining companies and hundreds of community members, attended the commissioning.
In his address, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, applauded South Mining for the investment.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our benefactors, South Mining, for their remarkable contribution to our community,” said Minister Moyo.
“Their unwavering commitment to education and empowerment has paved the way for this transformative project, leaving a permanent mark on the lives of each and every member of our community.
“We are deeply honoured by their dedication and their faith in our province, as they continue to invest in the betterment of our society.”
Minister Moyo implored other mining companies to “copy from South Mining to plough back to the community”.
Mines and Mining Development Permanent Secretary Mr Pfungwa Kunaka also commended the coal miner for the investment in the education sector.
“We commend the example set by South Mining, of ploughing back to the community. This is truly contributing to the vision of His Excellency the President, as we march towards Vision 2030,” said Mr Kunaka.
Going forward, Mr Kunaka said there was need for concrete partnerships between the private sector and the communities.
South Mining general manager Mr Chenji Li said they have grown to become “one of the biggest coal mining companies”, with 1 200 workers.
In an interview on the side-lines of the launch, Madumabisa village head Mr Francis Sibanda said the library will transform the lives of people in Hwange.
“It is going to help the people of this community. I think it is one of the big achievements done by South Mining since they started operating here. But I call upon the company to build primary and secondary schools in the area so that our children can learn, then come to read here.
“I also call upon the company to construct clinics for the benefit of the Madumabisa community where they operate from,” said Mr Sibanda.
A Form Four learner at Chilisa Secondary School, Zaphie Moyo, said: “The library is going to help me in my education. I have found a place to read and do my research. I want to do sciences at Advanced Level so this library and internet facilities will get me closer to my dream.
“The library will also reduce chances of learners getting involved in drugs as it is open to everyone.”
Another Form 4 learner, Praymore Nyoni, said the library will improve pass rates and promote a reading culture.
Apart from constructing and furnishing the library, South Mining, has also drilled six boreholes in communities to provide clean water.
Some communities have now set up nutrition gardens and are now using water from the boreholes.
leeroy
Online Reporter