Welcome to the 24th edition of The Weekly, where we continue to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping Zimbabwe’s natural resource governance landscape. This edition brings together stories that reflect the complex realities of extractive industries, conservation and community development, highlighting the urgent need to place people, accountability and sustainability at the centre of the country’s development agenda.
Our lead stories explore the human impact of Zimbabwe’s mining boom. We report on the imminent displacement of 12 families in Bikita, including a woman living with a disability who allegedly collapsed after being pressured to sign relocation documents, raising important questions about human rights, informed consent and the protection of vulnerable communities. We also examine the resurgence of violence in Mazowe’s goldfields, tracing how weak governance, illicit mining networks and unresolved structural challenges continue to fuel conflict in one of Zimbabwe’s most valuable mineral sectors.
As global demand for critical minerals intensifies, we analyse how shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly growing competition between the United States and China, present Zimbabwe with an opportunity to negotiate better outcomes through value addition, transparency and stronger institutions.
This edition also shines a spotlight on community voices, recognising that those living closest to natural resources often have the greatest stake in how they are governed. From the experiences of women in Manhize adapting to the rapid expansion of large-scale iron and steel operations, to women in Marange sharing their struggles with gender-based violence, environmental degradation, inadequate public services and barriers to accessing justice, these stories remind us that development must be measured not only by economic growth but also by improvements in people’s lives. Their testimonies offer valuable insights into the everyday realities of mining-affected communities and reinforce the importance of meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Beyond mining, we feature CNRG’s participation in the growing international campaign calling on the United Nations to abolish trophy hunting, reaffirming that responsible natural resource governance encompasses both mineral wealth and biodiversity conservation. We also highlight practical interventions such as the Mobile Legal Aid Clinic in Marange, which is bringing legal information and services directly to women in mining communities and strengthening access to justice where it is needed most.
At The Weekly, we remain committed to amplifying community perspectives, promoting evidence-based journalism and encouraging informed public dialogue on the governance of Zimbabwe’s natural resources. We hope this edition not only informs but also inspires constructive engagement among policymakers, communities, civil society and industry as the country seeks to ensure that its natural wealth delivers lasting and inclusive benefits for all.