By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South)- A narrative, long whispered in spiritual circles and now echoing in the halls of power, speaks of a “comical ghost” – the lingering spirit of colonialism – poised to return and haunt Britain’s former breadbasket, Zimbabwe. The story goes that as Britain’s own economic fortunes wane, it turns its gaze back to the mineral-rich soils of its former colony, armed with secret colonial-era maps detailing vast, untapped wealth.
This sentiment, a blend of historical grievance and modern-day anxiety, is gaining traction as the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe embark on a cautious rapprochement. After years of strained relations, trade between the two nations is on the rise, and British mining companies are showing a renewed and keen interest in Zimbabwe’s gold, lithium, and other precious resources.
While the UK government frames this as a new era of partnership and mutually beneficial investment, some Zimbabweans, from traditional leaders to everyday citizens, view the warming relations with a healthy dose of suspicion. They ask: Is this a genuine friendship, or a calculated move to reclaim the “sweets” – Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth – that their colonial ancestors meticulously mapped and documented?
The core of this anxiety lies in the belief, articulated by figures like the late former First Lady Grace Mugabe, that colonial administrators created detailed geological maps of the country’s mineral deposits, which were then concealed, never to be shared with the independent nation. These maps, it is claimed, are now the “secret weapon” for a British return, allowing them to pinpoint and potentially exploit resources without the full knowledge of the Zimbabwean people.
The New Scramble for African Resources?
Recent developments have poured fuel on this fire. UK-based mining firms like Kavango Resources and Marula Mining are actively securing funding and expanding their operations in Zimbabwe, targeting gold and the highly sought-after lithium, a key component in batteries for electric vehicles. This has coincided with a significant uptick in trade, which grew by nearly 25% in the year to the end of Q3 2024, reaching £411 million, according to UK government figures.
This renewed interest comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe. The government is in the process of overhauling its primary mining legislation, the Mines and Minerals Act. A key feature of the proposed amendment is a “use it or lose it” policy, aimed at preventing speculative holding of mining claims, a practice that has hampered the sector’s growth. The new laws also seek to strengthen environmental regulations and reserve certain mining licenses for Zimbabwean citizens.
These legislative changes are seen by some as a direct response to the perceived threat of a new wave of foreign exploitation. Proponents argue that a robust legal framework is the first line of defense against any entity, British or otherwise, that might seek to loot the nation’s patrimony.
A Question of Trust and Transparency
The question of how friendly this new engagement will be is a matter of intense debate. Is it a genuine business partnership, or a neo-colonial foray in disguise? The answer, many believe, lies in transparency and the terms of the deals being struck.
Economist Tafadzwa Sibanda cautions, “While foreign investment is crucial for Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, the government must ensure that all mining agreements are negotiated transparently and in the best interests of the nation. This includes full disclosure of exploration data and a fair and equitable sharing of the profits.”
The historical context of colonial-era mining, which saw vast profits extracted with little benefit to the local population, looms large in the collective memory. The legacy of that era is not just economic but also environmental, with concerns over land degradation and the displacement of communities.
The Unseen Hand: Spiritual and Traditional Guidance
In Zimbabwe, the spiritual realm is deeply intertwined with the physical. The warnings about the “comical ghost” have emanated from both religious and traditional leaders, who hold significant influence, particularly in rural communities where much of the mining takes place.
Spirit mediums and traditional leaders have historically been the custodians of the land and its resources, their authority derived from the ancestral spirits. They see the land not merely as a source of economic wealth but as a sacred inheritance.
While their direct influence on modern government policy may not be as overt as in pre-colonial times, their role in shaping public opinion and galvanizing communities cannot be underestimated. They are a powerful voice calling for vigilance and a reminder of the spiritual and cultural significance of the land.
What Must Be Done? A Call to Action
In the absence of universally accepted spiritual guidance on navigating this complex geopolitical landscape, a consensus is emerging around a set of practical steps Zimbabwe must take to safeguard its mineral wealth:
Strengthen Legal Frameworks: The swift enactment and rigorous enforcement of the amended Mines and Minerals Act is seen as paramount. This includes empowering local communities to have a say in mining projects that affect them.
Enhance Geological Knowledge: Zimbabwe must invest in its own comprehensive geological surveys to have an independent and complete understanding of its mineral resources, reducing reliance on historical or foreign data.
Promote Local Beneficiation: A shift from exporting raw minerals to processing and adding value within Zimbabwe would create more jobs and ensure a larger share of the profits remains in the country.
Demand Transparency: All mining contracts and agreements should be made public to ensure accountability and prevent secret deals that disadvantage the nation.
Empower Local Communities: A portion of the revenue generated from mining should be directly invested in the communities where the extraction takes place, fostering local development and a sense of ownership.
As the “comical ghost” of the past circles, the message from many Zimbabweans is clear: any future relationship with the UK, or any foreign power, must be one of equals. The sweets are no longer for the taking; they must be shared, and on terms dictated by the rightful owners of the land. The coming months and years will reveal whether this new chapter in UK-Zimbabwe relations will be a genuine partnership or a haunting reminder of a bygone era.
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