14 November 2025 | Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG)
Edition 37 of The Weekly highlights critical developments in climate justice, natural resource governance, community safety, and gender equality across Zimbabwe and the wider Global South.
1. People’s Dialogue at COP30: A Call for a New Development Paradigm
Social movements from Latin America and Southern Africa warn that global climate efforts are failing, with the planet on track for 2.8°C warming. They call for a shift away from extractivism toward people-centred, sustainable development. Key demands include demilitarising budgets, stopping the trade in conflict minerals, reforming global governance, and ensuring social justice as the foundation of climate action.
2. Deadly Rain-Season Mining Accidents
At least eight artisanal miners died in Silobela and Penhalonga after their shafts flooded. Despite contributing more than 60% of Zimbabwe’s gold—23.7 tonnes of the 36.48 tonnes produced in 2024—artisanal miners continue to work without Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards. The rainy season exposes the life-threatening risks of unregulated mining.
3. Kariba’s Human–Wildlife Conflict Crisis
The death of Gloria Konde, trampled by an elephant, underscores escalating conflicts between humans and wildlife. Over 18 deaths were recorded nationwide in the first quarter of 2025. Communities call for compensation laws, improved planning, fencing, and stronger coordination between local authorities and ZimParks.
4. Climate, Gender, and the 2025 National Gender Policy
The new National Gender Policy links gender equality to climate action, agriculture, natural resource governance, and mining. It emphasizes gender-responsive budgeting, improved data systems, and stronger participation of women in decision-making. Civil society plays a crucial role in turning policy into meaningful change.
5. Community Alert: Dangerous Erosion in Mutare
Poor drainage infrastructure in ZIMTA Park, Mutare, is causing severe soil erosion that threatens homes, roads, and public safety. Residents are calling for urgent intervention and proper civil works before the rainy season intensifies the damage.