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Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE youth in Matabeleland South province have appealed for government intervention in engaging big mining companies to cede idle gold mining claims to support community consortiums.
The youths made their appeal to Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko during a Matabeleland South Provincial Agricultural Show briefing at the weekend in Gwanda.
VP Mphoko was the guest of honour at this year’s 58th edition of the provincial show.
Zanu-PF provincial youth chairperson, Washington Nkomo, told the Vice President that most youths in the province were unemployed hence they resort to illegal mining activities as a source of livelihood.
He said the youth were driven to panning due to desperation as big mining firms reportedly cling onto “huge” mining claims and are reluctant to release them despite being underutilised.
“Youths here in Matabeleland South have a big challenge in trying to make a living. Most of us are engaged in illegal mining activities and some are even mining in areas where no mining activities are allowed,” said Nkomo.
“This is because some big mines in the province own many mining claims and are not forthcoming in terms of supporting the youth by issuing some of these claims that have been lying idle for a long time.
“We’re appealing to you as the Vice President to intervene so that these big mines are engaged over the issue. We want to see a situation whereby youths are given mining claims where they can operate legally so that they can as well make a positive impact in developing the country’s economy.”
He said for a long time the youth have sought support from local mining firms but were given a cold shoulder.
Nkomo said if given such mining claims, the youth would be empowered, a situation he said would end their problems.
“A number of the youths are in jail for being involved in illegal mining activities,” he said.
“While some youths have been jailed for prospecting for minerals without permits, several others have lost their lives in the mines while digging for minerals.”
Matabeleland South is home to vast gold deposits with big companies such as Blanket and Vumbachikwe mines having been operating in the province for years.
VP Mphoko held the question-answer session to get an appreciation of development concerns that affect the province.
There were also discussions on issues to do with food production, land allocation and construction of dams.
Online Reporter