Multinational firms urged to play ball

Chinhoyi Bureau
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Cde Temba Mliswa has said multinational companies, especially those in the mining sector, must comply with Zimbabwe’s indigenisation laws that stipulate 51-49 percent ownership in favour of locals. In his welcome speech at Zanu-PF’s 14th Annual National People’s Conference yesterday, he said some companies — in particular platinum miner Zimplats — had not fulfilled their pledges under the Community Share Ownership Scheme. Out of a pledged US$10 million, he said, the platinum mining giant had paid only US$400 000, which he said was a mockery.

“This province (Mashonaland West) has abundant mineral resources, but we have companies that are not fulfilling their pledges and meeting their 51-49 threshold,” said Cde Mliswa.

“As Mashonaland West Province, we will not tolerate a situation where companies give us 10 percent and fail to fulfil their pledges under the Community Share Ownership Scheme.”

Cde Mliswa said part of the proceeds from mining should be channelled towards strengthening agriculture as mineral resources were finite.

He said elected officials in the Senate, the National Assembly and local government should start working for the people.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland West Cde Faber Chidarikire, said delegates should take time to enjoy the hospitality of the province.

“This province has a rich history of the liberation struggle and we would like to urge delegates to visit our provincial Heroes Acre and the Chinhoyi Caves so that they can return in future with their families,” the minister said in his welcome remarks.