Upenyu Chaota

Bikita Minerals Human Resources Manager Tonderai Charehwa has left the company under a veil of controversy a few months after heavy community criticism for obstructing the release of an ambulance which was supposed to save an employee’s pregnant wife.

On July 18, 2024, the lithium mining company flighted a Human Resources Manager vacancy advert, and the post was not yet filled by the time of writing.

On April 04, 2024, EnviroPress reported on the death of 35-year-old Sukholuhle Gumede due to pregnancy complications after Charehwa and his boss Lui Rui refused to release an ambulance to ferry her to Harare for specialist care as recommended by local doctors. Liu is the Head of Department for Human Resources and Administration.

Gumede was wife to Alliston Chivasa who worked in the production department as a shift man.

Several women were arrested by the police after they demonstrated for justice, demanding the resignation of both Charehwa and Lui. (Click here to read full story).

When contacted for comment, Charehwa confirmed leaving Bikita Minerals but refused to divulge further details.

“I am now occupied with something else,” he said.

Bikita Minerals spokesperson Collen Nikisi said Charehwa left after finding a better offer elsewhere. He said Norman Chinondo was the current Acting HR Manager.

However, sources that are privy to the developments said Charehwa succumbed to pressure from the community.

“Since that debacle, he has not been himself as pressure kept increasing, and the mine bosses did not really support him. He felt that he was being made a fallout boy as he did not have much say in the company’s decision,” said one source.

A friend of the late Gumede who took part in the demonstrations after her death said she was pleased that their fight for justice had not been entirely in vain.

“Charehwa is gone, and that shows the power of women if they come together against an injustice regardless of the power of the perpetrator. The company practices many abuses but we are standing up. Now we want Lui Rui to go,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of further victimization.

This project was made possible through a partnership with the Southern Africa Trust. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent that of the Trust or its associates. www.southernafricatrust.org