Trymore Tagwirei

Young people in Bikita have accused lithium mining giant Bikita Minerals of failing to honour its commitments regarding local employment quotas.

Following a protest (pictured) that was quickly dispersed by police last week, the youth are now pushing for an urgent meeting with the mine’s management.

“We agreed with the mine authorities some years ago that at least 80 percent of jobs, particularly casual positions, should be reserved for locals. They are not adhering to that,” said Delight Mandebvu. “This agreement was reached during consultations with the former Minister (of Mines and Mining Development), Winston Chitando, but it is now clear those promises were hollow.”

Mandebvu, the Masvingo Provincial Youth Chairman for the ruling ZANU PF party, has previously mobilised local youth to demand opportunities from the mine, actions that some critics have characterised as political interference in private corporate affairs.

“There is blatant nepotism in the recruitment process at Bikita Minerals. Many local youths attend interviews but are never called for work. We will continue to fight,” Mandebvu charged. He warned that if the company fails to address these grievances, the matter would be escalated to Ezra Chadzamira, the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Development.

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On April 14, approximately 100 young people gathered at the mine premises to register their complaints, but the crowd was quickly dispersed following the intervention of the police and Chief Marozva, Mutindi Mutindi.

Other participants in the demonstration expressed frustration that the mine has granted Chief Marozva excessive influence over the hiring process.

“The company has abdicated much of its recruitment decision-making for low-skilled and non-skilled roles to the Chief, who does not always act in the best interests of everyone,” said one youth, who requested anonymity. “If you are not in his good books, you simply don’t get a job.”

Bikita Minerals Human Resources Manager Hilton Chimura referred all questions to Public Relations Officer Tinomuda Chakanyuka, who had not responded by the time of publication.