THE revival of Stella A and B City Mines in Matobo district has brought hopes of better
survival by locals, who depend on gold mining for a living.
Businessperson, Fisani Moyo, ensured the resurgence of the mine, which sustains women and
youths in the community.
During interviews conducted in the district, Matobo villagers expressed joy at the re-opening
of the mine after renovations.
Sindile Ndlovu, could not hide her joy after the resumption of mining activities at Stella
Mines.
Long back, we dreaded scouting for gold at this mine, as it was owned by white people.
After they left, it was in terrible state although we knew there were gold deposits here.
“The renovation and resuscitation of the mine to an extent it now has a befitting working
environment courtesy of Mr. Fisani Moyo, will certainly ensure a lot of families get food on
the table,” she said.
The mine manager, Johnson Dube, said the company’s recruitment was a balance between
youths and women.
We have 1100 people working at the mine, which consist of largely women and the youths.
“We have more than 90 shafts and ten of them have head gears which reveals how serious the
mining activities are here. About 80 percent of the people working are youths and women
from Matobo District, while a few people come from Gwanda and Bulawayo, said Dube.
Matobo District Ward 22 Cllr Tobias Sibanda, said the mining activity would spare the
uptake of substance abuse and drugs among the youths.
These days youths are hooked on drugs and alcohol because they do not have anything to
do, but the mine has ensured that they are not only busty but they are getting meaningful
income and spending on goods that people envy,” said Cllr Sibanda.
Gwanda business person, Fisani Moyo, who is the director of the mine hailed the women and
youth for showing enthusiasm in taking up mining as it is a key drive in the country road to
attaining an upper middle income economy by 2030.
For the mine sector to achieve US$12 billion by 2023, it takes women and youths
involvement in the mining industry as they are key drivers in implementing these projects. I
challenge every citizen to be innovative and play a role especially in these economic
initiatives that will transform our country, said Moyo.
Senator Alpha Mkhebu, who is also one the first women to be involved in the mining in
Zimbabwe, said the New Dispensation was walking the talk.
Today I am happy that women have been empowered in this area. This initiative dovetails
with the Governments call that no one and no place should be left behind. The renovation of
this mine has seen people being employed. It is worth mentioning that our province is playing
a major role as the mining industry seeks to achieve USD$12 billion by 2023, said Senator
Mkhebu.
