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Blessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
The Zvimba Rural District Council’s stake in Zimplats Mhondoro-Ngezi-Chegutu-Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust has come under spotlight amid allegations by stakeholders that it was imposed on them.

Stakeholders from Mhondoro-Ngezi and Chegutu have also argued that the Zvimba RDC was now capable of starting its own CSOT following the arrival of mining giants in their district.

They also called on Zimplats to do more in supporting infrastructural development projects in the district especially roads, which are some of the poorest in the country.

Addressing a highly-explosive stakeholder meeting in Mhondoro-Ngezi last week, local MP Cde Tavengwa Mukuhlani appealed for Zimplats’ support in their pursuit to eject Zvimba from the CSOT.

“The CSOT has been benefiting about three districts, namely Chegutu, Zvimba and Mhondoro-Ngezi, but we now feel it is our time to enjoy the full benefits of the trust as there are also mining giants in those respective areas. In pursuit of this call Zimplats should stand by us so that we speak with one voice,” he said.

Cde Mukuhlani also attacked Zimplats and other mining companies operating in Mhondoro-Ngezi for failing to significantly contribute to improving the road network in the district. He said Mamina Growth Point was the only service centre in Zimbabwe without a tarred road.

“We should have a tarred road between Bandawa and Kadhani as part of uplifting the constituency. I am yet to see another growth point without a tarred road in Zimbabwe,” he said. Cde Mukuhlani also attacked firms that are contracted by Zimplats for sidelining locals in their recruitment criteria.

“There are numerous complaints that companies such as Glenrise are not recruiting local people, both skilled and unskilled. It’s high time we relook ar the structures of such companies including NPS so that the community starts benefiting from their operations,” he said.

Mhondoro-Ngezi RDC chief executive Mr Itai Mawonde called for speedy resolution of all issues raised by the Zimplats CSOT members.

“We have talked about this issue for long without coming up with a clear position. When we started the trust it was being administered by Mhondoro-Ngezi. However, along the way our powers were stripped, leaving only Zimplats and a minister as signatories,” he said. Mr Mawonde said the stakeholders felt that Zvimba might end up being involved in double dipping activities.

“The district has its own mining companies opening up. Interestingly, after Government ceded some claims those still with Zimplats are almost completely confined to our district alone.”

He said apart from the Zimplats plant at Halfway in Selous, almost 80 percent of the platinum giants’ operations were in Mhondoro-Ngezi. Provincial council member Cde Abigail Gava also echoed similar sentiments.

“Zvimba was forcibly included in the trust by some ministers who had their own interests in the previous administration. However, there are now new mining companies exploring in the area, so it should craft its own CSOT scheme.

“Zimplats should also make sure they channel funds for developmental projects here rather than spending $2 million for refurbishments of Kadoma General Hospital and not constructing one in our area,” she said.

The meeting also heard that senior executives at Zimplats had also started forming their own companies to supply the mining giant with materials and were also not recruiting local employees.

Zimplats spokesperson Mrs Busi Chindove defended the platinum giants saying there was no proof on the allegations made against the senior executives.