CONFEDERATION of Chrome Miners Association president Isaac Chivendera has castigated mining companies operating in the mineral-rich Shurugwi area of leading lavish lifestyles when the majority of people in the mining town are wallowing in abject poverty.
Speaking in Shurugwi on the sidelines of the recent donation of Christmas gifts to the less-privileged by River Valley Properties chief executive Smelly Dube, Chivendera said miners in Shurugwi, particularly those in the gold sector, should learn to donate to charity.
“Year-in and year-out, we have one person in the name of Dr Smelly Dube donating to the needy here in Shurugwi,” Chivendera said.
“I am not happy that we have many miners in this mineral-rich area yet they are failing to contribute to the charity cause.
“Although we appreciate the good cause being extended by Dube, we can’t continue to gather for good deeds by one person yet we have many gold miners we see living lavishly while many people struggle to put food on the table.”
Through her company, Dube donated goods worth thousands of United States dollars to widows of war veterans, orphans and the less-privileged in the area.
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She also took orphans to shops in the mining town, where she bought them Christmas gifts of their choice.
“I am humbled by the need to share with the less-privileged, especially during this festive season,” Dube said.
Five best performing students from Shurugwi will be sponsored to study at universities abroad through her Shurugwi-based Tebekwe Gold Mine, while hundreds of students from the area will have their school fees paid by her.
Meanwhile, Econet yesterday donated food hampers worth US$1 200 to Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Home in Bulawayo as part of its Christmas philanthropic activities.
The donations included fresh vegetables, sugar, rice, maize, flour, beans, tinned food, cooking oil and several other items.
Econet chief operating officer Kezito Makuni said as a company, they believed this time of the year could be difficult for disadvantaged people, hence the donation.
“We understand that for people in vulnerable circumstances, Christmas can be an extremely stressful time of the year, which is why we are pleased to be able to do our bit to help out,” he said.
Ekuphumuleni administrator Sukoluhle Hove said: “We are excited about the donations, especially since we weren’t expecting them. Our home mainly relies on donations, and the food will help with a variety of meals.”