By Staff Reporter
A tense meeting between the Manhize community, the mining company Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), and local government officials has revealed deep frustrations over broken promises, halted payments, and what villagers describe as abandonment by the very institutions meant to protect them.
Held under pressure from the village chairperson, who refused to meet alone with company officials, the gathering brought together community members, DISCO’s public relations team, and the local authority administrator. Initially, Dinson had only wanted to meet the village chair, but after insistence, the company allowed community members to attend and voice their concerns.
“This meeting is not for me. I have no personal grievances,” said the village chair Chenjerai Mushore. “I represent the people.”
Once convened, the community wasted no time raising longstanding grievances. Chief among them was the abrupt cessation of a $200 monthly “disturbance and assistance” allowance that had been promised to villagers living near Dinson’s mining operations. According to residents, the stipend was a form of compensation for the upheaval and restricted access to land caused by the mining activities. Its suspension several months ago has left many struggling to survive.
Community committee members also challenged the original valuation of their properties, which they claim grossly undervalued their homes and failed to consider years of development and improvement. Calls for a revaluation have so far gone unanswered.
“These homes were not just handed to us—we built them over the years,” said one community member. “And now, we are told they are worth next to nothing.”
Further complaints included increased incidents of trespassing by company contractors and environmental pollution.
But perhaps the most painful issue raised was that of the descendants of original land beneficiaries, who are now also parents and have been left with no livelihoods after DISCO fenced off vast tracts of land previously used for subsistence farming and grazing. Those who once lived off their parents’ land are unemployed, with the company reportedly reneging on a promise to offer them employment or livelihood support.
“It’s a difficult situation for us,” said one villager. “We do not have any other livelihood options besides farming. We do not have jobs. It’s like we are treated as squatters in our own country.”
In response, DISCO representatives announced that the $200 monthly allowance would resume in June. However, on the issue of property revaluation, the company claimed it was a government matter and out of their control. Many were left unconvinced.
Three officials represented DISCO, led by Pelagia Mutsvangwa, while the Chirumanzu district development coordinator, Mr Jorum Chimedza represented the government.
Even more troubling for the villagers was the government’s silence. Despite the presence of a government administrator at the meeting, no clear answers were given regarding the fate of the younger generation affected by land loss or the halted employment promises.
“When the elections come, that’s when they’ll remember us,” said another resident. “But now, when we need them, the government is nowhere. They’ve left us at the mercy of the company.”
As the meeting ended, the key issues around land rights, compensation, and future livelihoods remained unresolved. With hopes fading, some villagers said they were now turning to civil society and international organizations for support.
“Our hope is with outside organisations now,” one villager added. “Maybe they can help us survive. Because right now, it feels like everyone has forgotten us.”