Online Reporter
Johnsias Mutonhori
SMALL-SCALE miners in the Shurugwi district are taking on a new role as they fund critical infrastructure projects, effectively filling a void left by limited government and local authority resources. The miners are spearheading development across rural communities, from drilling boreholes for domestic use and horticulture to maintaining roads and providing support for schools, clinics and the elderly.
Their initiatives highlight the growing influence of the mining sector in local governance and social welfare.
One of the most recent initiatives is the donation of five Starlink satellite internet kits by local miner and philanthropist Mr Tawanda Muchechetere, to the Jeke area. The donation aims to enhance internet connectivity and broaden digital access for students, teachers and farmers alike.
One of the kits has already been installed at the local business centre, offering free access to the entire community. The remaining four are set to be installed at strategic locations throughout the area.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s push to digitise communities and ensure equitable access to information — particularly in rural areas where connectivity has long been a barrier to development.
Mr Muchechetere, who hails from Jeke, said the project is his way of giving back to the community that raised him, inspired by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
“I was born and raised in this area. Having lived in better-connected places, I saw first-hand how much of a difference access to information can make.
“Our schoolchildren need to catch up with their urban peers, and that starts with access to online academic resources. Teachers, too, need access to information to grow, and farmers can now stay updated on trends that affect their trade,” he said.
Ward 9 Councillor, Cde Denmark Mutabeni, commended the small-scale mining sector for its growing role in development, saying such efforts are aligned with the national Vision 2030 agenda.
“I am happy with the support we are receiving from miners, especially those who grew up in this community and are giving back. Development should be led by local people because they understand the desires and needs of the community,” he said.
Clr Mutabeni added that locally-led development initiatives are often more effective, as they reflect the genuine needs and aspirations of the people.
“We have received various forms of support, including the refurbishment of schools, clinics, roads and boreholes.
“Cde Muchechetere has always been supportive of our community, and I urge all successful individuals to take a leaf from his book and invest in their respective communities,” he said.
A local farmer, Mr Tatenda Maraira, described Starlink as a life-changing project.
“Internet access was not for everyone, and in most cases, we were left behind in terms of accessing information and news. With this initiative, we are now staying updated with current affairs and can research any information we may need,” he said.
Zimbabwe is among the few countries that have approved Starlink, a high-speed internet service capable of reaching deep into rural areas.
This aligns with the Government’s digitisation agenda and promotes broader access to information.
