“The Great Dyke network initiative will see ZELA giving legal aid to mining communities where there are abuses of funds contributed by companies to the community shares programme,” said Shamiso Mtisi, the ZELA Research and Documentation Coordinator.
The Great Dyke is a 550 km-long belt of minerals containing large deposits of gold, silver, platinum, chromium, nickel and asbestos. After the establishment of the Great Dyke Network, expected to be wrapped up next month, Mtisi said a similar initiative would be extended to the Marange area where there have been reported cases of abuse of diamond proceeds.
The indigenisation programme, orchestrated by Zanu (PF) and led by Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, compels foreign mining companies to give up 10 percent of their earnings to community share ownership trusts led by chiefs and 51 percent to local people. But the exercise, largely seen as a campaign tool for Zanu (PF) ahead of the next poll, has seen millions of dollars contributed by mining companies being reportedly abused. $10 million contributed by South African-based Zimplats in Chegutu and MIMOSA in Zvishavane to community shares ownership trusts have not been accounted for.
Lack of transparency has also been reported in Zvishavane’s Mapanzure area where Murowa Diamond firm poured in funds and in Gwanda where cement companies made disbursements to community leaders.
Post published in: News