Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Mat South Bureau Chief
MORE than 3 000 villagers are set to benefit from enhanced agricultural activities following the rehabilitation of Gungwe Dam in Gwanda District courtesy of the Government’s community empowerment initiative, implemented through Community Share Ownership Trusts (CSOTs).
The project, spearheaded by the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust — now renamed the Gwanda Community Economic Empowerment Trust (CEET) — has restored a vital water source for more than 3 000 villagers across 12 villages, who had gone over a decade without reliable water after the dam was destroyed by cyclone-induced rains.
The rehabilitation, which cost US$316 667, restored the dam’s capacity of 800 000 cubic metres of water.
Commissioning the dam on Thursday, Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the Government has intensified efforts to uplift communities through the newly rebranded Community Economic Empowerment Trusts (CEETs).
He said the new policy framework ensures that communities benefit meaningfully from natural resources extracted within their areas, in line with Section 13(4) of the Constitution, which mandates the State to promote equitable resource distribution.
“Government has approved a new framework for the revitalisation of community trusts, now rebranded as Community Economic Empowerment Trusts. Under this framework, strong benefits from natural resources must accrue to communities where such resources are found,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said mining companies would now be encouraged, including through incentives, to procure goods and services from local communities to stimulate enterprise development.
Minister Ndlovu said only six out of 60 CEETs across the country remain functional, including Gwanda, prompting the Government to develop a strategic plan to revive all 60, with 32 targeted for revitalisation in 2026. Boards of the trusts will also be restructured to ensure efficiency and accountability.
“My Ministry advocates for an industrialisation path anchored on local empowerment and value addition. We encourage all companies, especially in the extractive sector, to follow the example set by PPC and Blanket Mine by partnering meaningfully with communities through the Community Economic Empowerment Framework,” he said.
Since 2013, PPC through the PPC Special Community Trust has contributed US$2 million to the Gwanda CEET, funding social and enterprise projects including the dam rehabilitation, school infrastructure, property development, irrigation scheme rehabilitation and poultry out-grower programmes.
Gwanda CEET also holds a 10 percent shareholding in Blanket Mine, earning US$12,6 million in dividends to date, with US$5 million received in 2025 alone.
Speaking at the event, Gwanda CEET chairperson Chief Mathema said the dam project symbolises the success of the country’s economic empowerment model.
“This event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort that began when our Government launched the Community Share Ownership Schemes,” he said.
“Trust funds have supported both social and enterprise development projects, including clinics, schools, irrigation schemes and poultry out-grower initiatives.”
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe said the dam’s revival is a clear example of the impact partnerships can have on local development.
He noted that communities in mining areas often suffer environmental and social harms yet receive minimal benefits, stressing that CEETs bridge this gap.
“Community Share Ownership Trusts (CSOTs) act as a link between the mining companies and communities at the district level and they are mandated to drive socio-economic development of communities around mining areas,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust is one perfect positive example of the extent of economic and social benefits derived from the economic empowerment agenda.”
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and local legislator, Dr Omphile Marupi said the project supports national development priorities and advances President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
He said the dam is expected to boost agricultural activity, local enterprise and food security in the surrounding communities.
—@DubeMatutu
