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Bianca Mlilo, Business Reporter
A BULAWAYO engineering firm, Viking Hardware Distributors yesterday donated mining equipment worth $10,000 to Our Golden Chance Multipurpose Co-operative, an organisation run by people living with disabilities.
The 13-member Kadoma-based co-operative is made up of visually impaired and physically handicapped persons who are involved in mining.
Shlomo Lepar, director of Viking Hardware handed over the equipment to seven members of the co-operative at their Belmont outlet in Bulawayo.
Guest of honour Annah Shiri, Senator Representing Persons with Disabilities in Zimbabwe said it was time society discarded the mentality that people living with disability were charity cases who should live on handouts.
“What Lepar has done for us is amazing, giving such a gift. There aren’t many people who can give things worth so much to benefit people they’ve never met,” said Shiri.
“As people living with disabilities we also want to be part of this country’s economic development and contribute meaningfully to Zim-Asset, the country’s economic blueprint.
“This equipment will allow us to compete with able-bodied people by venturing into the more challenging mining sector.”
The donation comprised full sets of safety gear, a diesel air compressor, wheelbarrows, shovels, drill bits, jack hammers and gold pans.
Chairperson of Our Golden Chance Moses Marufu said the equipment will go a long way in helping the disabled attain financial independence.
“We’ve four gold claims set three kilometres apart that we mine in Kadoma and we’re also looking to venture into farming and bricklaying,” said Marufu.
“We’ve since applied to the Ministry of Agriculture who’ve promised us a tractor and irrigation equipment. We’ve also applied to the Ministry of Local Government to avail stands for members of the co-operative.
“This is the first donation we’ve received and I’ve been talking to Lepar since 2014 to try and get equipment and I’m glad it’s finally paid off.”
Lepar said the donation was for a worthy cause and the co-operative could call on him anytime for help. He promised to train one member of the co-operative on the operation and maintenance of the equipment.
He also offered to conduct exploration of the mines.
“This gift came from the heart because the disabled are very close to my heart and the fact that mining is involved makes it all the more better because these two are my passions,” said Lepar.
Viking is a regular supporter of artisanal mining in Zimbabwe and has also donated equipment to small scale miners in Inyathi and Mpoengs.
Online Reporter