Online Reporter
Staff Writer
AT the endofalong,dustyroadbetween Gwanda and Colleen Bawn, the spirit of a past workforce lives on in a quiet compound.
This Christmas, officials from Duration Gold Limited (Jersey) made their annual journey here to visit the two remaining widows of their former employees, upholding a pledge that has outlasted the miners themselves.
The widows, Sophie Dube and Senzeni Moyo, are the last beneficiaries of a social responsibility programme that once supported seven.
Their husbands worked at the Vubachikwe Mine in Gwanda, run by Duration Gold.
Though the miners have long since passed on, the company’s commitment has not wavered, providing sustained food,medicalcareandseasonalgoodwill.
“We remember the service their husbands gave,” said Duration Gold representative and Vubachikwe Mine Manager None Kananji during the visit. “Looking after their well-being is our enduring tribute.”
Life in Thornwood presents challenges. Senzeni Moyo remains mobile within the compound. Her neighbour, Sophie Dube, has lost her sight and battles leg pain, limiting her movement.
Their crucial lifeline is care nurse Mwanabora Mwale, employed by the company, who tends daily to their comfort and health.
The Christmas delivery of holiday goodies brought cheer to the isolated homestead.
“We have each other and we are grateful not to be forgotten,” Senzeni Moyo shared, acknowledging the company’s continued presence.
From an initial group of seven, their number has dwindled over time, with one widow passing away earlier last year.
The programme now centres on these two women, described by company communications manager Robert Mukondiwa as the “jewel” of their community outreach.
As the dust settled on the departing company vehicle, the gesture left a clear message in Thornwood; some corporate promises are measured not in years, but in lifetimes.
derick.khumalo