scenes at the handover
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) has donated medicines worth US$10 000 to Kamativi Clinic and groceries to 120 vulnerable residents as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
The beneficiaries mainly comprised women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The donation, handed over in Kamativi on Wednesday, is aimed at supporting residents suffering from chronic illnesses while easing the burden on vulnerable households.
Hwange District Development Coordinator, Nyaradzo Masoja, who received the donation on behalf of Government, said the gesture demonstrated the importance of partnerships between mining companies and communities.
“Through their Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Kamativi Mining Company has shown that it understands its place in this community.
“The food hampers will ease the burden on families who struggle to put meals on the table. The medicine will strengthen our clinics and give our people a better chance of receiving the care they need, when they need it, closer to home,” said Masoja.
She urged KMC to maintain engagement with local communities and ensure that future projects respond to needs identified on the ground.
Masoja also called for transparency in the distribution of the donations to ensure that vulnerable groups benefit.
“I ask that this be done transparently, fairly and with dignity, so that the most vulnerable, including the elderly, the sick, child-headed households and persons with disabilities, are reached first.”
Hwange District Nursing Officer, Winfrida Ngwenya, said the medicines would particularly benefit patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension.
She said the donation would also reduce the financial burden on residents who previously had to travel to Hwange to access medication.
“As a Ministry of Health, we are grateful for the medicines we received. This will go a long way to assist patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension.
“This gesture is well appreciated as it complements Government efforts. This donation is not only addressing health and nutrition but access to medical care,” said Ngwenya.
KMC Chief Operating Officer, Turkey Liang, said the company viewed its relationship with the community as an important part of its operations.
He said the company’s development should not only be measured through production and economic performance, but also by its contribution to surrounding communities.
“Today is not simply about handing over food, materials or medicines. More importantly, it is about care, solidarity, dignity and partnership,” said Liang.
He said KMC would continue engaging the community and supporting initiatives focused on sustainable livelihoods, health, education, skills development, local employment and broader social and economic development.
“We will continue listening to community concerns, understanding community priorities and supporting initiatives that can improve people’s lives and wellbeing,” he added.
Liang said the company wanted its community engagement to go beyond one-off donations.
During the event, Kamativi Health Steering Committee Chairperson, Hilary Ngulube, said KMC had supported several community initiatives, including the refurbishment of Kamativi Clinic, provision of medicines and consumables, and water and sanitation interventions.
Ngulube said KMC had also pledged to procure an ambulance, hospital linen and modern beds for the health facility.
Ngulube added that the company had previously facilitated a visit by 22 specialist Doctors from China who provided free consultations, screening and minor surgeries to residents.
The programme also resulted in the successful surgery of a local resident who had a stomach tumour that was endangering her life.
Ngulube further revealed that the community and KMC shared a common goal of developing a sustainable health delivery system in Kamativi.
This latest intervention by KMC comes as the mining company continues to revive operations in the former mining town, with community development forming part of its broader operations.
