The Kenilworth community in Bubi ward 19 has made significant strides in its advocacy efforts, successfully establishing a community benefit arrangement with local miners. This milestone was achieved through the tireless efforts of the Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Team.
Five out of 10 mines have committed to the initiative, paying a monthly royalty of $75usd each. The funds collected are being used to purchase bricks for the construction of a police base. Traditional leaders are at the forefront of collecting the funds and championing advocacy issues related to community benefits and land degradation from gold mining.
The community benefit arrangement is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary villagers. According to Habakkuk Trust Mobilising Secretary, Mr. Batayi Meyaphi, “We are happy with the budding relationship that we have begun with the mining community, such initiatives will go a long way in improving the lives of ordinary villagers.”
The construction of the police base is expected to improve policing and reduce artisanal mining-related crimes, which have resulted in grievous assaults and murders. In October, a decomposing body was discovered by villagers close to a mine shaft in a suspected murder case.
Village Head Micah Mhlophe emphasized the need to capitalize on the budding relationship with miners to address pressing issues. “We want to capitalize on the relationship with miners to address the issue of open mining pits and unfenced mines that are a hazard in the community.”
In closing the meeting, the ward Councillor, Mhlalisi Maali, emphasized the need to rope in other miners and encourage the local community to participate in the construction of the police base. This collaborative effort is expected to yield positive results for the community.
Community Share Ownership Trusts are slated for discussion in both the National Assembly and the Senate as Zimbabwe’s Parliament resumes Business for the year 2025 .It is envisaged that such discussions will ultimately yield to the enactment of legislation that fortifies community benefit natural resources.
by: Dumisani Ncube
