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The Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Saviour Kasukuwere, on Monday said the Government had started working on the take-over of the mine following the refusal of the mine authorities to adhere to the Government’s indigenisation programme.
Responding to questions sent to him yesterday, the mine’s human resources and corporate affairs manager, Mr Celestino Mhere, said they had submitted a business plan to the relevant ministries.
He could not be drawn to reveal when the mining company submitted its business plan, saying some of the questions required accurate details from the relevant authorities.
“In fulfilment to the requirements of the Government’s indigenisation programme, a plan was submitted and we are currently engaging the relevant ministries on the matter and working out on a few modalities with the Government to finalise the indigenisation agreement,” said Mr Mhere.
“Some of the questions require accurate details from relevant authorities but what I can say is that everything is in order and the process is going on well.”
Mr Mhere said the mining company was also working with Chief Mathema in a number of projects as part of its corporate social responsibility in Gwanda.
“Regarding corporate social responsibility, one of our initiatives is to uplift education standards in the area we operate from. On 30 March 2012, we donated uniforms and satchels to 21 pupils who excelled academically at Mapani Primary School.
“We are currently engaged with Chief Mathema on building an administration block for the same school. We also assist local schools around our mining area like Sabiwa and Simbumbumbu on their building projects and stationery,” said Mr Mhere.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Obert Mpofu, confirmed that the mine authorities had approached the Government with their plan although they had initially refused to comply.
“I can confirm that the authorities at Vumbachikwe Mine have come back to their senses and they have engaged the Government although they had initially resisted to comply with the national indigenisation programme.
“I have been away but I have been reliably informed that the process is going on well and I am sure that an amicable solution will be found soon,” said Minister Mpofu.
Minister Mpofu said there was no need to negotiate with the mine’s authorities because the indigenisation programme was a Government policy.
“It is not a matter of negotiating with the Government but a matter of complying with the rules and regulations set before them,” he said.
Online Reporter