By Alois Vinga
VILLAGERS in Mberengwa district in Midlands province have commended Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) for creating employment opportunities for local youths and easing social pressures in the community.
KMH controls several of Zimbabwe’s key mining assets. As of 2021, the government held a 65% stake, with the remaining 35% owned by private investors, later described as a management consortium.
The Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund, initially assumed the government’s share and has since acquired full ownership of the company.
Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com during a community stakeholder engagement meeting, village head Tofara Zimi praised the company for its role in formalising employment in the district.
“Since Kuvimba began operations in Mberengwa, we’ve seen a noticeable drop in informal mining. Nearly 100 youths have been employed, earning decent wages that are paid on time,” he said.
He added that formal employment has brought significant relief to families in the area.
“Youths are now able to support their households, including paying school fees. The reduction in drug abuse and petty crime is also linked to their increased engagement in formal work.”
Chief Mposi Mupangeri echoed similar sentiments, noting a marked improvement in community stability.
“Youths are no longer idle. They’re now occupied with work, and reports of violence and disorder—which used to be common—have decreased. We have also cautioned them against engaging in illegal small-scale mining,” he said.
However, Chief Mposi also called on mining companies operating in the area to address growing water scarcity by investing in borehole drilling to meet both community and operational needs.
The tiff is emanating from the use of the community-owned Gambure Dam by miners for their operations. In turn, the villagers say they can’t sustain their livestock and gardening ventures amid dwindling water supplies.
The community engagement was part of broader efforts led by Silveira House, which is facilitating initiatives aimed at improving Environmental Social Governance systems in mining communities like Mberengwa. These initiatives also seek to promote peaceful dispute resolution and shared development objectives.