Blanket Mine transforms Sitezi community

By Jonah B Moyo

The Sitezi community in ward 8, Gwanda North, is reaping the rewards of Caledonia Mining Corporation (Blanket Mine)’s integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects which are set to transform local education, health, and living standards through modern, sustainable developments.

Blanket mine’s integrated CSR project in Sitezi was launched in 2022 and was officially handed over to the community early this week.

The project features the establishment of a state-of-the-art computer laboratory at Sitezi Secondary School, equipped with 50 computers, alongside the creation of a modern science laboratory and the refurbishment of school facilities. In addition, interactive digital screens have been installed in all classrooms (replacing traditional chalkboards) to enhance digital learning and expand educational opportunities for the youth in Sitezi.

To further support community well-being, the mine also installed a 48kVA solar power plant with 129 panels at the local clinic, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for uninterrupted healthcare services.

The community has expressed great appreciation for the mine’s initiatives, which have brought transformative developments at no cost to them. These efforts stand as a testament to how local mineral resources can be harnessed to directly benefit the people of Ward 8’s Wenlock communal lands.

Part of the relief brought by the project directly relates to expectant mothers who will no longer have to travel long distances to access maternal care as Blanket Mine’s construction of a Mother’s Waiting Shelter has eliminated the risk of births occurring in homes or on the way to the clinic.

Sthandazile Moyo, a villager, emphasised that the new waiting shelter will be a lifesaver for many mothers, providing a safe and dignified space for expectant mothers to await medical care.

“In the past, expectant mothers faced challenges accessing timely medical care, often resulting in births at home or on the way to clinics. However, with the new Mother’s Waiting Shelter, we now have a safe and welcoming space to await child birth. With comfortable accommodations, allowing two people per room, we are confident that no mother will have to give birth in unsafe conditions.

“The facility also features accessible bathrooms, designed to accommodate everyone, including those with disabilities. We are grateful for the mine’s efforts and look forward to their continued support,” she said.

Nomthandazo Ndlovu, a student at Sitezi Secondary School, praised the new learning environment, saying it enables students to grasp knowledge more quickly.

“We are happy to have computers at our school, thanks to Blanket Mine’s generosity. As a student, I never thought I would use a computer, but now I can confidently operate one. This new skill could even lead to a future career in IT, where we might one day support companies like Blanket Mine with the technology they have empowered us with.

“Our school was previously in a poor state, leading some students to transfer elsewhere in search of better education. However, with recent developments, we now have access to quality education right here in rural Sitezi. The introduction of interactive touch screens has enhanced our learning experience, allowing us to visualise complex concepts, such as geographical processes, through engaging videos. This immersive approach helps us retain information more effectively,” she said.

Sitezi Secondary School has seen a significant increase in enrollment, from 107 students last year to 145 this year. With expectations of even higher numbers next year. The school is also optimistic about achieving good results, particularly among its Form 4 students.

Caledonia Mining CorporationChief Executive Officer, Mark Learmonth highlighted that as the mine they want to leave long lasting developments in the communities where they do their operations.

“We are focused on creating lasting value in Matabeleland South Province because we live here, we work here, and we grow have to grow here together.

“We handover a Sitezi project to the community, the project began in 2022 with aim to make a change to Sitezi community and to see the community benefiting from the mine Mining their minerals. The project comprises three key components; a state-of-the-art maternal health clinic providing safe and dignified care for mothers and infants, a reliable solar energy system ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services, and a refurbished Sitezi Secondary School equipped with a modern science laboratory and computers, empowering students for a digital future,” he said.

The Sitezi community benefits in multiple ways from this project. Mothers can now access quality healthcare, while school children enjoy improved education through computer-aided learning and interactive screens. Additionally, the clinic and schools have a reliable water supply and uninterrupted healthcare services thanks to the solar power system, enhancing overall well-being and opportunities for the community.

Learmonth noted that the mine’s community development initiatives is to incorporate everyone.

“These Sitezi projects represent a shared investment in the well-being and potential of this region. We are proud that our efforts align with the Devolution Agenda, which place people and communities at the heart of development,” said The Caledonia Mining Corporation Chief Executive Officer.

The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe officiated the handover ceremony, urged the community, pupils, and teachers to strive for excellence at Sitezi Secondary School. He encouraged students to pursue engineering and science programmes at universities, empowering locals to become engineers and scientists who can contribute to the province’s rich mining industry.

“We did not simply hand over infrastructure, rather we unlocked opportunities, restoring dignity and instilling hope and this kind of progress touches the heart of our community’s daily lives.

“This initiative demonstrates that responsible mining can indeed co-exist with social progress and when business prospers, communities can and should prosper too,” he said.

People of Sitezi were urged to take responsibility of the development done to their area by Blanket mine.

“People of Sitezi, these projects belong to you. Please take ownership, safeguard these facilities, and make full use of them. Mothers, may this clinic be a place of safety and new beginnings.

“The teachers and students, may the new classrooms and laboratory ignite curiosity and open doors to future careers in science, technology, and innovation,” he said. 

The Minister called upon other companies to copy what Caledonia did in Sitezi through its Corporate Social Responsibility.

“When we work together and align our efforts with purpose, we can transform lives. We encourage other companies to follow this outstanding example of partnership and community investment,” he said.

Over the years, Caledonia, through Blanket Mine, has invested more than US$10 million in projects aimed at improving health, education, agriculture, and livelihoods across Matabeleland South.