Chronicle Editor
Sunday News Reporter
VUBACHIKWE Gold Mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province has been marred by a distressing narrative of hardship and unmet promises, as over 800 employees are grappling with dire financial challenges since the mine closed two years ago.
Once a beacon of hope and a significant foreign currency earner, the mine has faced a tumultuous period, culminating in its closure in November 2022 following a workers’ strike over unpaid salaries and substandard working conditions.
The mine’s financial distress has also been underscored by its inability to meet its contractual and statutory obligations, leading to workers’ salary arrears and industrial action. The closure of the mine in the wake of these challenges has left a trail of uncertainty and hardship for the employees
The situation was further compounded last week after electricity to the mine and workers’ living quarters was disconnected owing to a reported large bill accumulated by the mine, owed to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
Employees said the demise of the mine is worrisome, as it was once the town’s backbone. They urged the Government to help resuscitate the mine as thousands of families depended on it.
“Vubachikwe Mine was once one of the biggest gold producers in Matabeleland South Province and Zimbabwe as a whole, however, its demise is very worrisome.
“Over a thousand families survived through this company. Those in businesses were also reliant on this mine.
“We as workers are pleading with the Government to resuscitate Vubachikwe as all hope of re-opening the mine has been lost,” said one of the workers.
Another worker who identified himself as Gava said the mine suspended all operations in 2022, leaving the employees without any benefits.
“We have been surviving on illegal gold panning. Now we are living in the dark and have no access to water after electricity was disconnected over a debt. We have been struggling with water cuts as the mine is also owing ZINWA.
We have perishable foods in our freezers that have gone bad due to the unavailability of electricity.
“We have been struggling for almost two years now and some of the workers have resorted to cooking and selling foodstuff to illegal gold panners for them to be able to afford a meal, medication, school fees, among others. The mine has become a hotspot for illicit activities as people are trying to earn a living,” said Gava.
“For some time now we have been earning a living through illegal gold mining, we have since stopped the practice as some of our co-workers lost their lives in the process and some got injured. Now water and electricity issues have become another burden,” he added.
Another worker expressed his gratitude to nearby Blanket Mine for always stepping forward and assisting residents and Sabiwa Primary School with water in their times of need.
“During our water crisis, Blanket Mine always comes to our rescue. Our primary school is also one of their beneficiaries, the company brings a water tank once or twice a day when there is no water. These two years have been hell for us, we had to resort to strike action because we were not being paid our salaries, funeral policies, Nssa and many more,” he said.
The workers said efforts to address the strained relations between management and themselves was crucial to rebuilding trust and fostering a more positive work environment.
Efforts to get a comment from ZETDC were fruitless as ZESA general manager (stakeholders relations) Dr George Manyaya’s mobile phone was ringing without any response.
Online Reporter