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Walter Nyamukondiwa

Mashonaland West Bureau Chief

THE Government’s empowerment programmes have paid off for those who have embraced them, changing their lives and also helping them create employment for others.

Some have stood out in mining and politics including Dr Shakemore Timburwa who has taken to heart the call for youth participation in the country’s economic and political sphere.

Dr Timburwa, who made a mark in business before venturing into politics, has commended President Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu PF party for opening up opportunities for the youths.

“I have been in mining for some time now and as youths we always give credit to the Zanu PF government for giving us a chance to excel and make a mark,” said Dr Timburwa.

“The mining industry has seen some transformation over the years and one key factor is that indigenous people are playing a key role.”

Dr Timburwa, who is a director at Parvaim Gold Holdings and Energy Plus, an energy consulting firm specialising in green energy solutions, has contributed significantly to the country’s gold production.

He has mining interests in Chegutu and Kadoma among other areas.

Parvaim Gold Holdings deals in precious minerals such as gold, copper and other precious minerals.  He is keen to contribute towards the growth of the mining sector into a US$12 billion industry.

“There is great potential for the mining industry to increase its contribution to the fiscus and as youths we are ready to play our part,” said Dr Timburwa.

His desire, he said, was to see more youths taking up opportunities in every sector of the economy. Having conquered the business world, Dr Timburwa recently threw his hat into the ring in the Chegutu West Constituency by-election held on February 3, 2024.

True to his ability to generate social capital, the affable entrepreneur won the seat.

He has gained the respect of those in his party Zanu PF, fence sitters and those from the opposition for embracing everyone.

“We are happy as a constituency because we have a leader who is always with the people and willing to listen to our concerns,” said Mrs Esnath Mombeyarara, a vendor at Chegutu Bus Terminus.

“So far he has been here to undertake several programmes after winning which is very rare of most politicians. They disappear once they are elected.”  He was sworn in last week to begin a journey to serve more than 100 000 people and contribute to the country’s legislative process.

“What I want is to develop organic support that touches and impacts everyone no matter who they are, their station in life and their religious or political persuasion,” said Dr Timburwa.

His exploits in business at a young age has won him several accolades including being listed among 100 Most Influential Young Leaders in Africa by Pan-African Youth Leadership in 2019.

A year later, he featured among Zimbabwe’s top 40 Most Influential Leaders by Young Corporate Directors’ Network of the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe allied with the Institute of Corporate Governance Zimbabwe.

In 2021, he was listed among the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 class of 2021 as one of the change makers in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has represented Zimbabwe on several platforms including the Pan African Youth Leadership Forum, World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders Programme.