2020 National Budget must be hinged on US$12 billion mining economy strategy

By Mukasiri Sibanda  Introduction Anchored on public pre budget consultations, the process to formulate the 2020 National Budget Statement is underway. Public participation during budget formulation is fundamental. Citizens and civil society must grab the opportunity to influence how public revenues are generated and allocated to address the stubborn challenges posed by inequality and poverty. […]

Looking ahead: The move towards adoption of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative by the Government of Zimbabwe

MBy Mutuso Dhliwayo (Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association) Introduction This is the second in a series of blogs by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) to document and profile ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwe government to adopt and implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the advocacy role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Of late, […]

District Administrators make first call to ATRDT after 9 years 

 Article by Mufute Tawanda (Atrdt) For the first time in 9 years Arda Transau Relocation Development Trust (ATRDT) was invited to a round table dialogue with all key stakeholders by the Mutare District Administrator. The meeting was attended by different stakeholders namely, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, Zimbabwe National Water Authority, Mutare Rural District Council, […]

ZELA making strides towards youth empowerment

 By Josphat Makaza-(Chiadzwa Community Development Trust) The problem is, we are being left out where we are wanted most, they do not want us to participate and had never consulted us on decisions that affect our lives. The right of communities to participate and benefit from the extraction of minerals in resource rich areas must […]

ZELA trains communities on environmental child rights and the significance of EIAs

Story by Refias Sithole (Marange Development Trust) An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the important components in safeguarding the environmental child rights whenever a mining project is to be undertaken. It is not far from the truth that children and youths are more susceptible to the negative impacts derived from mining operations. Therefore, […]

Looking Back : The Zimbabwe Mining Revenue Transparency Initiative

By Mutuso Dhliwayo (Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association) Introduction Unlike in the past when government’s intentions to join the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) have not been matched with significant follow ups from stakeholders, this time around, it is a different story altogether. Since the renewed commitment to be part of EITI family was made in […]

From Zimbabwe Mining Revenue Transparency Initiative to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Mutuso Dhliwayo and Mukasiri Sibanda[1] Introduction Despite going in circles on the adoption and implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)in Zimbabwe, consensus for mining sector transparency reforms exists among stakeholders. Through fiscal policies, the government has repeatedly committed to either implement EITI or revive the Zimbabwe Mining Revenue Transparency Initiative (ZMRTI) a home-grown […]

High Court orders mine to cease operations

The High Court has ordered Gwanda-based mining concern, Imani Mine, to cease operations with immediate effect after failing to follow proper mining procedures. BY MTHANDAZO NYONI The order was issued by Justice Jester Helena Charewa on Wednesday after the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela), on behalf of Sithini Ndlovu and Rhodine Sibanda filed a court […]