Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MHONDORO-NGEZI Rural District Council generated over US$125 000 in 2025 from its community gold milling and processing project, bolstering its finances and reducing reliance on traditional revenue sources.
The initiative, launched three years ago, provides a crucial service for local artisanal and small-scale miners while creating a new income stream for the council beyond licenses, rates and rents.
Council Treasurer Mr Charles Marisa told Zimpapers that the revenue was a game-changer for the 2025 fiscal year.
“We produced over 923,48 grammes, yielding a total of US$125 000,” Mr Marisa said.
“These funds have been vital in covering foreign currency expenses, including the 30 percent United States dollar portion of staff salaries. It has significantly eased our financial burden.”
The project has also provided relief for the community.
“Our focus has shifted away from solely depending on ratepayers,” Mr Marisa said. “While residents are still expected to meet their obligations, the gold revenue has allowed us to lighten that load.”
The gold operation is part of a broader strategy by the small but ambitious council to build financial resilience.
For over five years, the council has run a gum plantation, producing timber and socket plugs primarily for mining giant Zimplats.
“The plantation has been another important revenue source,” Mr Marisa noted, adding that Zimplats now makes payments entirely in Zimbabwean dollars, whereas previously 30 percent was in foreign currency.
Further diversifying its portfolio, the council has established the first fuel service station at Mamina Growth Point—addressing a community need and generating income—and operates a borehole drilling rig that services schools and residents.
Looking ahead, the council aims to fully develop its Overly Farm for horticulture and animal husbandry.
“Our goal is to maximise revenue from the farm while creating employment opportunities for local youth,” said the council’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Itayi Mawonde.
Mhondoro-Ngezi’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. Despite being one of the smaller districts in Mashonaland West, it has earned the President’s Best Performer Award (2023) for outstanding service delivery, an Outstanding Service in Local Authority Rural Award from the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network, and the provincial Clean Cities Award for environmental stewardship.
