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It is an old settlement established during the colonial era. Its population and that of its vicinity was boosted by the land reform programme as Mvuma was surrounded  by many large commercial farms which were subdivided    and parcelled out to scores of A1 and A2 farmers since          2000.

Apart from its rich soils and climate which are suitable for crop and animal husbandry, Mvuma has a lot potential to grow because it is also rich in minerals like gold and chrome.  It also has a good road network which links it to major cities, namely Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Masvingo. The road network also links it to major borders — Beitbridge, Chirundu, Forbes and Plumtree. A railway line also passes through. All these factors give Mvuma potential to grow in terms of socio-economic development.

But locals feel that one of the economic sectors which can facilitate greater economic growth but is lacking in Mvuma are banks.
A local councillor, Mrs Mary Kubvoruno, said the area was once served by a mobile bank but the service was terminated some 10 years ago.
“It is 10 years now since we had the services of CBZ Bank. It was mobile; they were only operating three times a          week. As women and at the same time mothers, we will be relieved to have a bank that caters for our community. We fear for the security of our husbands’ salaries. Some husbands are coming with change after travelling all the way to Gweru. You will be told many stories when he comes back home only with some change after all the money has been spent on beer,” she said.

Mr Pedzisai Munanzi, a traditional leader, said the land reform programme unlocked many opportunities for Mvuma. Despite the challenges, he is hopeful that Mvuma will rise.
“I really want to thank the (Chirumanzu Rural District) CEO and DA for their hard work. To me they are visionary men and I can tell you our future is brilliant. In five years we will be like Masvingo though Mvuma at the moment can be described as a ghost town. I would also want to thank our MP, Honourable Emmerson Mnangagwa, for implementing many development projects here. We must hail such MPs,” he said.

Cde Mnangagwa is the MP for Chirumanzu-Zibagwe constituency, Minister of Defence and Zanu-PF secretary for legal affairs.
Another Mvuma resident, Mr Lawrence Chidzonga, said a bank would assist communities a great deal.
Chief executive officer of Chirumanzu Rural District Council, Mr Lovemore Chatikobo, said Mvuma’s potential would only be fully realised if banks open in the mining  town.

“As council, we are facing quite big challenges. We can’t keep ratepayers’ monies for a long time. For any banking,  we have to drive either to Chivhu for 47km or Gweru 80km. This is very risky and sometimes very inconveniencing. It is the same for our local people and other businesspeople. They can’t stash their monies in their houses for long because doing so is risky. Lack of banks affects money circulation.
“No investor will be interested in a place like this because first of all he/she considers security of capital within the place where he is doing business. We have many

civil servants here and on payday they have to travel to Chivhu or Gweru and at times to as far as Masvingo to access banking facilities,” said Mr Chatikobo.
He underscored the investment opportunities in Mvuma and its hinterland but said the major drawback was lack of banking services.
“We have rich mineral deposits, namely gold and chrome.  We need chrome processing plants and gold mining to be done on a large scale. We used to have Athens

Mine which was into gold mining and now it has been taken  over by Duration. Duration Mine’s capacity is very low and there is probably a need to partner with other companies to boost up. Almost all agricultural activities are taking place in the district. There is high potential for producing quality beef. We have tobacco farmers and horticultural farmers here and they are travelling to Harare selling their produce instead of having buyers coming down here,” said Mr Chatikobo.

Echoing Mr Chatikobo’s sentiments, Chirumanzu district administrator, Mr Michael Mariga, said: “The absence of a bank here has adversely affected growth of the area. I am convinced that opening just one branch will have a great impact on the economy. As I see it investors, whether local or foreign, also look into the aspect of banking within the area of business activities before investing. Employment will be created the moment more investors trickle in. The place holds a lot of potential.”