Villagers in Insiza, Matabeleland South Province, say they are being mistreated by Chinese miners operating in the area, who are also reportedly damaging the land without a proper plan for its restoration.
The villagers voiced their concerns during a meeting with a local partner. They said they are willing to embrace development, particularly in the form of clinics, a pre-school, dip tanks, roads, and bridges, among other essential services.
One resident, Everlet Gumbo, added that they have lost a significant number of livestock, which has deeply impacted their only source of livelihood. Said Gumbo:
The Chinese came and started mining on my plot. They have damaged the environment to such an extent that our livestock no longer have grazing areas. There is nothing we can do. When they arrived, they promised to rehabilitate the land, but they have not done so. We are now suffering from dust due to their mining operations.
Another villager warned that if no action is taken, the community will be left with nothing, while the Chinese miners will have reaped all the benefits. He said:
If we are not careful, the Chinese may promise to mine an area for 10 years but end up extracting everything in just three years. We could be left with nothing if we are not vigilant.
Mandlenkosi Ncube, another villager, expressed deep concern over the mistreatment of local residents by the Chinese mining companies He said:
I was employed by the Chinese but was dismissed unfairly. We were told to go on holiday, but when operations resumed, we were informed that we had been fired.
I was hurt—and I still am. What pains me most is that they are operating in our area, yet we are benefiting nothing.
Alexander Maphosa, Vice Chairman of Mapeiume Secondary School, stressed the urgent need for additional classrooms and a local clinic, noting that the nearest healthcare facility is 11 kilometres away.
Maphosa also raised concerns about the treatment of local residents by the Chinese miners, alleging that many community members face ongoing mistreatment and disrespect. He said:
Yes, some of our children work at the Chinese mining company, but the working conditions there are very poor. They work without PPE, leading to serious injuries. It is not safe at all. They endure excessively long shifts—16 hours a day. Our children are being degraded, just like our land.
Villagers described the school as severely underdeveloped, lacking fundamental necessities such as classroom blocks, access to clean water, and sporting facilities. They said:
When the Chinese arrived, they did not introduce themselves properly. We are not against development, but we need companies to respect us as locals. Currently, villagers are only benefiting from dust and pits.
More: Business Times
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