Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
COMMUNITY members from Gwanda District in Matabeleland South have raised a red flag over an increase in the number of learners dropping out of school to venture into illegal mining.
Speaking recently during a Zimbabwe Mining Safety Health and Environmental Council (Zimshec) meeting, traditional leaders and councillors said there is a need for authorities to be firm in terms of controlling illegal mining activities.
Chief Masuku said illegal mining is a threat to development within communities.“It’s sad to see what illegal mining has done to our resources, infrastructure and most importantly how it has affected our youngsters. Children who are supposed to be at school have opted to drop out of school to engage in illegal mining,” he said.
“The future of these children has been spoiled at a tender age. These youngsters are our future leaders.”
Chief Masuku said due to illegal mining activities, children were now involved in harmful practices such as drug and substance abuse, robbery and theft.
Gwanda Rural District Council chairperson, Councillor Mphathiswa Ncube said there is a need to address the issue of illegal mining to avert disaster.
“We appreciate this programme that is being rolled out in the district with the hope that it will yield the much-needed results. We need thorough and vigorous measures that will be put in place to curb illegal mining activities. The challenge is that some of these culprits will be coming from other districts,” he said.
Zimshec has rolled out an environmental, safety and health awareness programme targeting artisanal and small-scale miners in Matabeleland South and Midlands.
Zimshec is implementing the programme in Gwanda, Insiza and Mberengwa districts working with relevant Government ministries and departments. The programme is being implemented under the theme “zero harm is achievable”.
The programme aims to promote responsible mining among artisanal and small-scale miners through education and raising awareness.
The programme is targeting registered miners with the hope that it will help influence unregistered miners to formalise their operations.Illegal mining is a major concern in Matabeleland South, which is rich in gold deposits.— @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter