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Richard Muponde Gwanda Correspondent
GWANDA gold mine, Vumbachikwe, was yesterday slammed by the Minister of Rural Development, Preservation and Promotion of National Culture and Heritage, Cde Abednico Ncube, for refusing to contribute funds towards the Gwanda Community Ownership Trust in a move described as tantamount to disrespecting President Robert Mugabe.
The mine is the only one in the district that has not fulfilled a pledge to contribute towards the scheme despite promising to comply during the launch of the programme by President Mugabe in Colleen Bawn in 2013.
Other mines Jasmine, Blanket, Farwick and PPC have already complied with the country’s Indigenisation laws.
Gwanda Community Ownership Trust has used about $ 2,5 million in developmental and income generating projects since its launch three years ago.
Addressing delegates to the Community Leaders’ Forum meeting held at the Gwanda District Club yesterday, Cde Ncube said Vumbachikwe was not a sacred cow.
“What is called Vumbachikwe? The President launched the community ownership here and they are refusing to comply. This is being disrespectful.
“We even engaged their Canadian representative. He told us lies,” said Cde Ncube. “Where are they getting this bravery?”
Cde Ncube said the mine was not a sacred cow as the legislation was clear on the indigenisation policy.
“They must comply. Others have complied. This gold they are mining is not in Britain but Zimbabwe. We want to thank those companies which complied because the money they contributed has been used to fund development projects in the district, building classrooms, science laboratories and clinics which is good for our people. We thank them for that,” he said.
This is not the first time that Vumbachikwe has been caught on the wrong side of the law as in March last year it was ordered to stop operations for refusing to comply with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) rules and regulations.
The mining company, which is also resisting selling shares to indigenous Zimbabweans in line with the country’s indigenisation laws, owed EMA $55,000 in statutory fees then.
It was, however, not immediately verified if it had paid the debt.