By Shadreck Gurenje
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged mining companies to accelerate Corporate Social Responsibility projects that empower to sustain the livelihoods of people within the communities they operate.
Giving his keynote address at the 9th ordinary meeting of the African Diamond Producers Association council of ministers, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Communities where diamond mining takes place should be empowered to sustain the livelihoods during and after mining activities have ceased to bring positive change that will go beyond.
“Diamonds are a finite resource, and it is necessary to have Corporate Social Responsibility projects that go beyond the lifespan of our mines. Communities where mining takes place should be empowered to sustain their livelihoods during and after mining activities have ceased and the power to bring positive change that will go beyond.
“Also, Mining companies conducting Corporate Social Responsibility activities ensure the coexistence of local communities and the mining operations. The peaceful relationship is important and gives the mining company a social licence to operate. As the Government of Zimbabwe we take pride in the good relationships between the diamond mines and communities, “said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa also said his government take pride in roping along the custodians of the land, the traditional chiefs, from the diamond mining regions of Zimbabwe chief among them traditional chiefs for the maintenance of a peaceful coexistence with the mining companies.
Under the ZANU PF government the National Development Strategy 1 has been implementing sets out the course of action towards the growth of the mining sector.
In the same vein the nation is pursuing the vision of attaining an Upper Middle-Income Economy by the year 2030, diamonds are envisioned to play a key role in the attainment of our vision.