Staff Writer
Deep in the heart of Matebeleland North province, a beacon of hope has emerged in the once-dormant mining town of Kamativi, where the reopening of the Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) has injected a fresh wave of economic vitality and transformed the lives of hundreds of locals.
For Robert Mfuni, a 42-year-old resident, the mine’s revival is a dream come true – a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty that had gripped his family for generations.
Having grown up in the shadow of the mine’s closure, Robert witnessed firsthand the struggles of his parents to make ends meet, and now, he is among the fortunate ones who have secured employment at the re-opened mine.
“I never thought I could see the day when Kamativi would come back to life,” said Mr Mfuni.
“When KMC re-opened, it was like a ray of hope had been injected into our community. I was one of the lucky ones who got a job at the mine, and it’s changed everything for me and my family.”
The impact of KMC’s reopening has been felt beyond just employment opportunities.
The mine has also invested in infrastructure development, including the provision of electricity to the local community.
KMC spokesperson, Mr Dumisani Chihoto, said the mine’s reopening was a testament to the Government’s efforts to attract investment and create employment opportunities in rural communities.
“The Government’s beneficiation campaign is aimed at ensuring that our natural resources benefit local communities, and KMC is proud to be playing a part in this initiative,” he said.
“We’re committed to creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and improving the lives of people like Robert and his family.
“The reopening of KMC has also had a positive impact on the local economy, with businesses springing up to cater to the needs of mine workers.”
Kamativi is one of several mining towns that were left to decay after the closure of mines in the 1990s. However, with the reopening of KMC, the town is slowly coming back to life.
As the country pushes to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, the reopening of KMC is a significant step in the right direction.