Honourable Remigious Matangira , chairperson for , Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – Yesterday the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) held its interfaith dialogue on “Strategic Minerals” at the Kentucky Hotel, Hatfield. The gathering focused on lithium, cobalt, nickel , gold and copper, questioning why Zimbabweans label them “strategic” while receiving only 2 % royalties.
“Why do we, as Zimbabweans, call these resources strategic minerals yet we hand over mines to investors and receive only 2 % in royalties? It is a moral question , are we stewards or sellers of our own inheritance?” ZCC President Rev Ignatius Makumbe asked.
“The Chinese assisted us as friends during the liberation struggle, but today they are treating Zimbabwe like their own country. Why is our government allowing this? How long must we keep compensating them for assistance they rendered to us during the liberation struggle. If we still owe them for their role to us , when are we going to finish the debt that should have been settled long ago? . They are in every corner if Zimbabwe doing mining and abusing our own citizens ,” said ZCC Rev Makumbe.
Among the invited community members were traditional leaders who also managed to air their views.
“Traditional leaders are the custodians of our tradition, and that includes the minerals beneath our soil. The earth is our mother; we must protect her spirit and ensure any extraction honours our ancestors and benefits our people.” Mbuya MaPhiri said , she is the national chair lady for ZINATHA.
Honourable Remigious Matangira , chairperson for , Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines who was the guest of honour was in attendance.
“Lithium miners came to Zimbabwe, and they have got to follow what we want in terms of our laws and policies… we eat what we kill. Churches are willing to work with the government and the President Dr Emerson Mnangagwa has an open door policy , they are welcome to approach the government so as to build our nation together ” Honourable Matangira said.
Disability council was also represented and they emphasised inclusion: “If the minerals are truly strategic, the dividends must reach every Zimbabwean, including persons with disabilities.”
The dialogue ended by all involved parties, agreeing to do Joint Task Force (ZCC, Ministry of Mines, civil society, academia) to draft a strategic minerals governance charter within (90 days).
– Quarterly public reports on royalties, CSR, and environmental impact.
– Community Benefit Protocol – 10 % of net profits to health, education, and accessible infrastructure.
– Disability‑inclusive monitoring panel established.