By Patience Gondo
Residents in the vicinity of Blanket Mine are benefitting from nearly US$10 million worth of community development projects implemented by Caledonia Mining Corporation in partnership with Government and the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust.
The Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust (CSOT), established in 2012, is a government initiative under Zimbabwe’s indigenization program to give local communities a stake in mining operations.
It receives shares from mining companies like Blanket Mine and uses dividends to fund community development projects across all 24 wards in the district.
The latest development, commissioned on Tuesday in Sitezi, Gwanda District, includes a fully equipped maternal clinic, a solar energy installation, a modern science laboratory and 50 computers for local schools.
The multi-facility project is part of Caledonia Mining Corporation’s ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare, education and renewable energy in Matabeleland South Province.
Under the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, local communities are participating directly in development programmes linked to mining operations, ensuring that proceeds from natural resources benefit surrounding areas.
The project was officially commissioned by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Albert
Nguluvhe, who described the initiative as a demonstration of successful collaboration between Government, the private sector and local communities under Zimbabwe’s Devolution Programme.
“We are not simply handing over infrastructure; we are unlocking opportunities, restoring dignity and instilling hope,” said Nguluvhe during the Sitezi Project Handover Ceremony.
He said the project aligns with President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, seeking to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy through inclusive development.
Nguluvhe commended Caledonia Mining Corporation for its sustained investment in community projects across Matabeleland South.
He said the company’s contribution of nearly US$10 million reflects how responsible mining can drive local development.
“This initiative proves that when business prospers, communities must prosper too,” he said.
Nguluvhe praised the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust for ensuring that communities are not passive beneficiaries but active participants in local development.
“This is devolution in action Development must reach every ward, every village, and every home,” he said,
He said the Government remains committed to the principle of Leaving No One and No Place Behind.
Nguluvhe urged the Sitezi community to take ownership of the new facilities and ensure their proper use to improve healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
The Sitezi project is expected to improve maternal health services, provide reliable solar energy to public facilities, enhance science education, and promote digital literacy in surrounding schools.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior Government officials, members of the Provincial Development Committee, traditional leaders including Chief Mathema, ZANU-PF party members, school representatives, Caledonia Mining Corporation CEO Mr. Mark Learmonth, Blanket Mine employees and local residents.