Hwange mourns Dr Zinyemba
Sibongile Dube
The Hwange community has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hwange Colliery Company Managing Director, Dr Charles Zinyemba.
Dr Zinyemba died on Sunday morning. He was 60.HCC Workers, representative Benjamin Gandiwa described the deceased as a leader who had his workers at heart.
“I worked with Dr Zinyemba for a long time, dating back to when he was an Acting MD. Hwange faced some challenges during the economic meltdown and the situation was so tense for the management and the employees. There was a time when the employees were not earning their salaries but as a good leader, the late MD worked so hard to restore salaries and good working conditions. Things had gone so bad that the company was failing to provide basic protective clothing but Dr Zinyemba came through for us. Transport facilities were also improved and this was a big boost for the morale of workers,” said Gandiwa.
We used to rely on contractors for mining equipment but Dr Zinyemba put an end to that by procuring mining equipment some of which is yet to be commissioned,”said Gandiwa.
HCC engineer, Dale Sibanda said the community has lost an iconic figure and pillar of strength.
“Dr Zinyemba has been with HCC for over ten years and he had an understanding of HCC history. He understood clearly where we are now. He saw clearly our vision for the future and he was an integral part of the process to rebuild HCC. The Dr provided vital guidance and would use his vast knowledge to shepherd us away from retrogressive moves,” he said.
Sibanda said owing to his military background, Dr Zinyemba was disciplined and rubbed off that discipline on those around him.
“He was a pleasure to work with, he was for the company, he was for rebooting HCC and making it a proud and viable operation,” he said .
Doctor Charles Zinyemba was a medical Doctor by Profession. He horned his management skills with the addition of MBA .On the 06th of Oct 2013 he was appointed as an Acting MD of HCC. 0n the 21st of Aug 2021 Dr Zinyemba was appointed substantive MD, a position he held until his death.
