Online Reporter
Masuku Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association (Zima) has lauded the Second Republic for its proactive policy interventions, asserting that indigenous players are now the heartbeat of the nation’s drive toward an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Zima function in Bulawayo recently where several members, including war veterans within the mining body, reaffirmed their ties to the ruling party, Zanu-PF—Zima national chairperson Ms Silingiwe Masuku said the mining sector has undergone a radical transformation under the current administration.
Ms Masuku noted that the “astute leadership” of President Mnangagwa has dismantled historical barriers, allowing local players to take a lead role in the extraction and value addition of the nation’s mineral wealth.
“Under the astute leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, indigenous miners have been afforded greater access to opportunities, resources, and supportive frameworks, enabling them to expand their footprint in the mining sector,” she said.
She emphasised that Zima serves as a critical bridge between the Government and small-to-medium-scale miners, ensuring that the “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” (a nation is built by its own people) mantra is translated into tangible economic output.
Indigenous and small-scale miners currently account for over 60 percent of the gold delivered to Fidelity Gold Refinery, a statistic that underscores their importance to the national fiscus.
Ms Masuku stated that the formalisation of these miners is key to stabilising the macro-economy and creating employment.
“As the nation journeys towards Vision 2030, indigenous miners stand poised to play a transformative role in driving inclusive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development, firmly positioning the mining sector as a pillar of Zimbabwe’s aspiration to attain upper-middle-income status,” Ms Masuku added.
She further noted that Zima is committed to elevating these miners into a “formally recognised, professional and empowered sector” capable of competing on a global scale.
The association’s role involves grassroots organising and strategic advocacy to ensure that the wealth beneath Zimbabwe’s soil benefits the majority.
Ms Masuku highlighted that the Second Republic’s focus on resource allocation has allowed many indigenous players to transition from subsistence mining to highly mechanised, sustainable operations.
“We are also living up to the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind; as Zima, we believe in empowering everyone.
“This underscores our shared vision for a thriving mining sector that contributes significantly to our nation’s economic growth,” she said.
Beyond extraction, indigenous miners are increasingly involved in community development, funding the construction of clinics, schools, and roads in the districts where they operate, thereby mirroring the devolution agenda spearheaded by the Government.
