Mukasiri Sibanda's Page

Cholera, the scourge currently haunting Zimbabwe is indicative of the sorry state of public service delivery – health, water and sanitation and education. A clear violation of socio-economic rights  provided in the Constitution. It is pertinent, therefore to focus on how government can mobilise finance to revamp public service delivery. Amidst measured excitement over government’s quest to re-engage with the West and the luring of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), it should not be lost that tax…See More

IntroductionThis article was original featured in Business WeeklyOften times portrayed negatively, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) offers, potentially, exciting opportunities to propel sustainable rural economies.Certainly, if not done responsible, ASGM can harm rural economies by disrupting agricultural activities, fuelling criminal activities and causing massive environmental damage.Taking a…See More

This article was originally featured in the Business WeeklyIntroductionLed by Honourable Themba Mliswa, the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy (PPCME) produced a report on its findings and recommendations concerning the allegedly missing $15 billion Marange diamond revenue.Although the figure of $15 billion has been factually proven…See More

This article was original featured in the business weeklyAfter a false start, for Marange-Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust (CSOT), can the $5 million payment received from the Zimbabwe Diamond Consolidated (ZCDC) herald a new beginning for local economic and social development hinged on diamond mining activities? This is particularly so, considering…See More

Concerned that the community in Mutoko is unhinged from the main economic activity in their locality, black granite mining, Mutoko Rural District Council (MRDC) supported by The Civic Forum on Human Development (CFHD), Silveira House and Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) organised a district alternative mining indaba. The indaba was held at Nyamakwere hotel, Mutoko centre from 13 to 15 June 2018.Participants comprised of mining affected communities, Community Based Organisations…See More

On 6 June 2018, Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats) publicly announced that it has amicable resolved a six-year long dispute with government which was seeking to compulsorily acquire part of its mining claims measuring 27,948 hectares. This dispute was pending in the courts of Zimbabwe.Consequently, Zimplats agreed to release 23,093 hectares to government “to ensure participation by other investors in the platinum mining industry.”   Zimplats now owns 24,632 hectares with a new special lease…See More

On 6 June 2018, Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats) publicly announced that it has amicable resolved a six-year long dispute with government which was seeking to compulsorily acquire part of its mining claims measuring 27,948 hectares. This dispute was pending in the courts of Zimbabwe.Consequently, Zimplats agreed to release 23,093 hectares to government “to ensure participation by other investors in the platinum mining industry.”   Zimplats now owns 24,632 hectares with a new special lease…See More

Conglomerate diamond plant under construction: picture courtesy of Nyaradzo MutonhoriIntroductionRight from the beginning, the sunny side of Marange’s rich alluvial diamonds was obscured for many Zimbabweans. More so, to communities impacted by diamond mining activities, who have been subjected to counting the costs of…See More

Conglomerate diamond plant under construction: picture courtesy of Nyaradzo MutonhoriIntroductionRight from the beginning, the sunny side of Marange’s rich alluvial diamonds was obscured for many Zimbabweans. More so, to communities impacted by diamond mining activities, who have been subjected to counting the costs of…See More

In the rear-view mirror of Zimbabwe’s political and socio-economic narrative, Mugabe image looms large. But is the windshield clear enough for accelerated progress? One important clue which can help to unravel this puzzle relates to how the new government is managing the country’s mineral wealth- platinum, diamonds, lithium and gold among others.Of all minerals, developments in the diamond sector warrants a close examination. This is hardly surprising though. Diamonds, because of their…See More