Hwange Residents, Leaders Decry Mining Neglect
Victor Sibanda
Hwange residents and traditional leaders are up in arms against mining companies operating in the district, accusing them of neglecting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations.
Chief Siansali, chairperson of the Chiefs’ Council in Matabeleland North, lambasted these companies for enriching themselves while the local community suffers. He highlighted the deplorable state of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, urging the companies to use CSR initiatives to foster development.
“The people we lead and the investors we allow in should care for us when we are alive,” Chief Siansali said, drawing applause from mourners at the recent burial of Chief Shana of Jambezi. “We die because sometimes we lack funds. Hwange has numerous mining companies, but they are nowhere to be found when a chief needs help. There was a time when Chief Shana was sick and needed medical attention, but none of the companies he granted concessions to contributed to his medical bills.”
His sentiments were echoed by Matthew Muleya, the District Coordination Committee chair. “They plunder our natural resources while showing no concern for our schools, roads, and healthcare facilities,” said Muleya. “We urge them to demonstrate responsibility by ploughing back into the communities from which they extract wealth. The environment is in a sorry state, and no meaningful action is being taken. This must stop!”
Hwange residents are equally frustrated. “They make a lot of money. Every day they use our damaged roads, yet they can’t spare a cent to build nearby schools or donate a single pencil,” said Kennias Mathe, a resident of Cindrella Village. “When they need our help for their own benefit, they come running to the local leadership. But when the locals need resources for their livelihoods or life-saving interventions, they turn a deaf ear. I believe political and traditional leaders should meet with the investors to map a way forward for giving back to the communities.”
Annacleta Mlauzi, a resident of Makwika village, added, “These companies are ruthless. They make a killing in profits but are so stingy that they can’t do anything for the community they operate in. Look at the Dinde and Mpongola communities. There’s extensive mining activity, and the environment is terrible. Pollution is rampant, but the companies haven’t even considered building a clinic, let alone supporting nearby schools. My view is that these companies should take visible and tangible actions to benefit the people. Maybe one or two individuals might be profiting, but we are demanding that the entire community benefit.”
Efforts to get comments from two managers of coal and coke mining companies in Hwange were unsuccessful, as they refused to speak on the matter when approached. Corporate social responsibility is a business model by which companies make a concerted effort to operate in ways that enhance rather than degrade society and the environment. CSR can help improve society and promote a positive brand image for companies.
A simmering tension exists between mining companies and the communities they impact. While mining brings economic activity, many companies haven’t been contributing their fair share to the development of the surrounding areas. This lack of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has resulted in frustration among locals who face environmental degradation, damaged infrastructure, and limited benefits from the mining boom. Community leaders and government officials are calling for a change. They urge mining companies to prioritize social responsibility projects that improve schools, healthcare facilities, water access, and roads. Hwange Colliery Company (HCCL) serves as a potential model, demonstrating how mining companies can integrate with the community by providing housing, healthcare, and infrastructure for residents. The message is clear: Hwange’s mining companies need to become good neighbors and invest in the communities that are essential for their continued operation.
