Murowa boss steps down

Lovemore Zigara, Business Correspondent
MUROWA Diamonds managing director, Zebra Kasete, has left the mining concern and is serving his notice up to the end of the month.

Kasete who has been at the helm of the Zvishavane-based mine for almost five years, is set to return to his native Namibia where he will join that country’s largest uranium mine, Rossing. He will be replaced by Ellah Muchemwa who is coming in an acting capacity for the next six months before a substantive managing director is appointed.

Kasete confirmed his departure saying he was leaving in “high spirits.”

“I’m leaving Murowa Diamonds in high spirits and on a very strong footing after having served the company for almost five years.

“I’m happy to have interacted with the government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders who make Murowa Mine tick,” said Kasete.

He said he was now looking forward to new challenges.

Kasete added: “I’m now going to miss the Murowa family and Zimbabwean society at large.”

The outgoing Murowa boss leaves seven months after the world’s second largest resource firm Rio Tinto exited the country after selling its controlling stakes in Murowa and Sengwa Mine.

Rio Zimbabwe this week announced that it would inject $60 million in the next four years.

In July 2015, RioZim took over the running of Murowa and adopted a new strategic focus which included increasing revenue, reducing costs and exploring the various growth options for the business.

The plan requires an investment of $60 million which has already been committed.