By Portia Muzorava

The Apostolic Churches Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) has received a US$10,000 investment from Black Rhino Minerals as part of the mining company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, with the funds set to support church-led development projects across the country.

The contribution was handed over on October 4 by Black Rhino Minerals, which operates under the Shurugwi Mining Syndicate, a holder of a 465-hectare Special Grant.

As part of their CSR initiatives, Black Rhino Minerals and the Shurugwi Mining Syndicate have allocated 16 hectares to the ACCZ to support the church’s development programmes. Black Rhino Minerals is assisting the ACCZ in the mining and sale of chrome from the 16-hectare area, with the proceeds expected to fund sustainable projects for the church.

ACCZ President Archbishop Tobias Zunguzira welcomed the contribution, saying it would help churches establish initiatives that benefit congregants.

“We are grateful to Black Rhino Minerals for this investment. This contribution gives our churches an opportunity to establish sustainable projects that can generate income and strengthen our capacity to serve our communities. We will ensure that the resources are distributed across our 10 provinces and put to meaningful use,” said Archbishop Zunguzira.

He noted that the US$10,000 investment will be shared among the ACCZ’s structures in all 10 provinces, with regional churches expected to use their allocations to build capacity and drive community development.

In his remarks, Black Rhino Minerals Head of Operations Tlou Sebola stated that the contribution reflects the company’s commitment to giving back and supporting initiatives that create a positive social impact. He added that the company firmly believes mining operations should contribute to the development of surrounding communities through meaningful CSR initiatives.

The partnership among Black Rhino Minerals, the Shurugwi Mining Syndicate, and the ACCZ comes at a time when faith-based organisations play a critical role in community development, supporting local livelihoods, and creating economic opportunities.