EnviroPress Reporter

Bikita Minerals is transforming lives in Chief Marozva’s community through a monthly donation of 65 tonnes of scouring powder, enabling over 100 families to generate income, fund education, and build better futures.

Although the production of scouring powder is not part of the company’s core mining operations, Bikita Minerals has committed to setting aside resources to support the initiative, which aims to promote economic independence, reduce poverty, and empower local residents—particularly women and youth.

“We are grateful for this kind of gesture,” said Chief Marozva. “We know the company sets aside time to produce the scouring powder for the community, even though it’s not their main business. The vim is shared equally by men and women.”

While the enterprise is largely driven by women, Chief Marozva emphasized the importance of including men in the project to promote inclusivity and broader economic empowerment.

“The sale of scouring powder was mainly being done by women, but we also have men in our community who need to be empowered economically. That’s why we decided to include both men and women in the program,” he said.

The impact of the initiative has been far-reaching. Proceeds from sales have been used to pay exam fees for orphans, fund salaries for clinic guards, and even construct a classroom block for local students. Additionally, the community occasionally receives bulk buyers, further boosting income and sustainability.

For beneficiaries like Daphinite Basera, the project has been life-changing.

“I was able to go to university and now I’m a teacher because of the scouring powder business,” she said.

Sphiwe Jaricha, another member of the community, shared how the program has helped her support her family.

“I managed to pay school fees for my children and even acquired some livestock. This business has uplifted my life.”

The scouring powder initiative is one of many livelihood projects spearheaded by Bikita Minerals in a bid to support sustainable community development. Beyond providing economic opportunities, it plays a role in preventing social challenges by keeping youth engaged and reducing their vulnerability to issues like drug abuse.

As the initiative continues to grow, it stands as a model for how the private sector can invest in meaningful, grassroots economic empowerment—changing lives one bag of scouring powder at a time.