Zimbabwe stands at the centre of the global race for critical minerals. Lithium, iron and steel, gold and other resources are attracting unprecedented investment, positioning the country as an important player in the global energy transition and industrial development. But, as this edition of The Weekly illustrates, the true measure of progress cannot be found in export figures or billion-dollar investments alone. It must also be reflected in the lives of the communities living closest to these projects.
Our lead story from Bikita captures this contradiction powerfully. Liberation war veterans who once fought to reclaim their land now face displacement to make way for a major lithium expansion. Their question, “Is this what we fought for?” goes beyond one community. It speaks to the broader challenge of ensuring that development respects human dignity, land rights and meaningful community participation.
Elsewhere, we examine Government’s response to illegal mining in Bindura, arguing that the environmental destruction and governance failures witnessed there are not isolated incidents but part of a nationwide crisis requiring coordinated and lasting solutions. From Manhize to Shurugwi, and back to Bikita, our reports show communities becoming increasingly organised, informed and determined to engage peacefully with duty bearers in pursuit of environmental justice and accountable governance.
A common thread runs through every story in this edition: communities are not rejecting development. They are calling for responsible mining that protects the environment, respects constitutional rights, ensures transparency and delivers tangible benefits to local people. Sustainable mining cannot be achieved through consultation in name only. It requires genuine dialogue, accountability and adherence to principles such as free, prior and informed consent.
As always, The Weekly seeks to amplify voices that are too often excluded from national conversations on development. We remain committed to documenting both the opportunities and the costs of Zimbabwe’s extractive industries, while highlighting practical pathways towards more equitable and sustainable natural resource governance.
We hope this edition informs, challenges and inspires continued engagement on how Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth can become a foundation for shared prosperity rather than a source of deepening inequality.