HARARE, ZIMBABWE (News of The South) – A passionate plea for mining companies to contribute directly to the development of communities where they operate echoed through Parliament this week. The Member of Parliament, whose constituency lies between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers – a region steeped in the history of the Munhumutapa and Murenga dynasties – drew on deep cultural roots and even biblical scripture to advocate for a fairer distribution of mineral wealth.
The MP began by invoking the lineage of the people in his region, identifying them as grandchildren of the revered King Munhumutapa and Murenga. He emphasized a foundational understanding of stewardship over the land, recalling ancient traditions where permission was paramount for anyone seeking to utilize resources. “In the olden days,” he explained, “our ancestors lived in harmony with the land. Each clan, identified by their totems, understood the importance of seeking consent from the living, the forefathers, and the spirits before taking anything from another area.”
He referenced the poignant lyrics of the late Zimbabwean music icon Oliver Mtukudzi, singing “Otikumbura varidzi kuti uvhime masango anoera” (We ask the owners for permission to hunt in these sacred forests), to underscore the deeply ingrained respect for traditional land ownership. “This country is a spiritual country,” the MP declared, “it has always been and will continue to be spiritual.”
The core of the MP’s address focused on the stark disparity between the wealth generated by mining and the lack of benefit for local communities. Highlighting the diverse mineral wealth found across Zimbabwe – including diamonds, gold, and lithium – he lamented how “foreigners or people from outside the area come and mine the minerals and take away everything while the local community gets nothing.” He painted a grim picture of damaged roads hindering access and the long-term environmental and social consequences left behind after mining operations cease, leaving local populations to suffer.
To address this imbalance, the MP proposed a legislative solution rooted in the concept of a “mining tithe.” Drawing a parallel to the biblical principle of tithing, as outlined in Malachi 3:10, which calls for giving a tenth of one’s income, he argued that mining companies should be legally obligated to leave a percentage of their earnings for the direct benefit of the communities in which they operate.
“As parliamentarians,” he asserted, “our duty is to write and amend the constitution. It would greatly benefit our communities to make it law that whoever mines in an area should leave a percentage to the community.” He stressed the injustice of mining entities prospering while local populations bear the brunt of environmental degradation and lack essential infrastructure.
The MP’s contribution also highlighted the growing appreciation for traditional authority in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is now under the traditional authority of King Munhumutapa since Zimbabwe became a monarchy its good to witness parliamentarians increasingly respecting tradition as King Munhumutapa works towards its restoration.
This impassioned plea from the MP underscores a growing national conversation about resource governance and equitable benefit sharing. It raises critical questions about the responsibility of extractive industries towards the communities that host them and the role of legislation in ensuring that Zimbabwe’s natural wealth translates into tangible improvements for all its citizens. The proposal for a “mining tithe,” drawing on both traditional wisdom and religious principles, could spark significant debate as Parliament considers amendments to existing mining laws. The outcome of this discussion will likely have a profound impact on the future relationship between mining operations and local communities across Zimbabwe.
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