Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
OVER 50 women and youth in Bulawayo have received a life-changing boost after the Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association (ZIMA) donated mining claims at Enyokeni in Matobo and handed over a hammer mill to support their operations.
A hammer mill is a machine that crushes or shreds material into smaller pieces using repeated blows from hammers.
In mining, it helps crush ore for easier processing, but it is also widely used in agriculture and waste management.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province Women’s League Secretary for Mines and Energy Development, Cde Silingiwe Masuku, said the project was inspired by women and youth who came forward seeking sustainable livelihoods.
“I was approached by a group of women and youth, some said they were into sex work and others were unemployed and in need of assistance to earn a dignified living,” said Cde Masuku.
She explained that after discussions with ZIMA, mining was identified as a viable pathway.
Through collaboration, mining claims were secured, and resources mobilised to purchase a hammer mill as a start-up asset.
“This is what the President wants and the ruling party advocates for, which is empowerment for all.
“We want women and youth to have a source of income, and we hope that with this mining venture they will transform their lives,” said Cde Masuku.
She noted the initiative aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to achieve an upper middle-income economy while ensuring no one and no place is left behind.
ZIMA secretary-general, Cde Dadiso Brian Maseva, said the organisation seeks to bridge the gap between the Government and indigenous miners by working directly with communities.
“We are focusing on identifying community needs and devising action plans tailored to them. We also believe in asset mapping, that is, using idle machinery and untapped human capital for the benefit of the community,” he said.
Cde Maseva said ZIMA’s long-term mission is to professionalise small to medium-scale indigenous mining and cultivate a culture where locals become leading contributors to Fidelity Gold Refinery reserves, reinforcing the country’s gold-backed currency.
“We want to educate, empower and create a vibrant indigenous mining sector that drives growth,” he said.
Unbreakable Bloomers representative, Mrs Nonceba Mwedzi-Agwaniru, expressed gratitude on behalf of the women and youth, saying the programme represents a fresh start.
“We are grateful that these women and youth will now engage in something that allows them to generate their own income. As you are aware, some of them were into sex work.
Such programmes give them a chance to earn a living in ways that are safe and respected in society,” she said.
