EnviroPress Reporter
Bikita Ward 9 councillor, Surprise Pembere, has dismissed widespread claims that Bikita Minerals is employing locals from surrounding communities, accusing the lithium mining giant of favouring outsiders while leaving area residents sidelined and frustrated.
In a strongly worded statement during a community meeting held in Ward 9, Councillor Pembere said the perception that the company is creating employment for locals is misleading, as the majority of those working at the mine are not from Bikita.
“Let’s be honest with ourselves — the people being employed by Bikita Minerals are not from here. Most of them are outsiders who are now renting houses in Duma location. They are coming from other provinces, while our own youths roam the streets jobless,” said Pembere.
The councillor said the influx of non-local workers has driven up the cost of living in the area, particularly in Duma location, where rentals have surged due to increased demand for housing. Meanwhile, he said, local communities continue to struggle with high unemployment and poor social services.
“What’s painful is that our people see trucks moving day and night, carrying lithium out of their land, but they are not benefiting. They are just spectators,” Pembere lamented.
He said despite repeated calls for transparency in the recruitment process and for job opportunities to be reserved for qualified locals, the company has failed to deliver on its promises of community empowerment.
“There is no proper communication or consultation when it comes to employment. As councillors, we are sidelined. Community leaders are left in the dark while decisions are made elsewhere,” he added.
Pembere called on both the company and the government to urgently address the issue and ensure that the people of Bikita — especially those from Ward 9 — are given first preference when jobs become available.
Under Zimbabwe’s Constitution, particularly Section 13(4), the state is obligated to ensure communities benefit from resources found in their areas. However, Pembere argues that this constitutional provision is being ignored in favour of short-term economic gains for outsiders.
His remarks echo growing frustrations across Masvingo Province, where communities near lithium mines have voiced similar concerns over exclusion, lack of consultation, and minimal local benefit despite the surge in global demand for the mineral.
Community members at the meeting called for the creation of a public employment database to track recruitment patterns at Bikita Minerals and to ensure fairness and accountability in hiring practices.
Bikita Minerals maintains that it is creating more jobs and opportunities for locals.
