The Big Issue Publications

12/02/2025

11/02/2025

Illegal Gold Rush hits Kwekwe Low Density suburbs

Newtown Low Density Suburb near Kwekwe CBD has recently been hit hard by makorokoza who have become a nuisance to residents and a huge threat to environment.
The most affected hot spots are an area around church stands near Kwekwe Prisons close to Kwekwe Police Main Police Camp just a stone throw away from city centre.
The other area heavily damaged by makorokoza ‘mining’ is near Tickley Residence along Burma Road.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Kwekwe is limited or arm twisted as most of these illegal gold mining activities are mostly done by youths who belong to a political party and this makes the Police compromised. We have reported this matter to police and Kwekwe City Council but nothing significant has been done to prevent this issue from escalating. These makorokoza make noise and sometimes attack residents in affected areas “, lamented a resident in Newtown..

10/02/2025

08/02/2025

Chinamata Falls - an oasis of tranquility

TUCKED away in the heart of the Bvumba Mountains, Chinamata Falls is an oasis of tranquility, far from the bustle of everyday life.

The journey to this hidden treasure feels like stepping into another world, where the air is crisp and fresh, filled with the subtle fragrance of wild-flowers and the soft murmur of distant waterfalls.

Yet it is just less than 30km from Mutare.

The lush surroundings are teeming with life — vibrant bird species flit from tree to tree, while the rustling leaves of ancient forests whisper secrets of a time long past.

It is a place where nature’s untouched beauty speaks to the soul, inviting you to slow down and savour every moment.

As a prospective visitor wanders along the winding pathways of the majestic Vumba, each turn reveals a new and mesmerising view of the falls, as if nature itself is offering a series of carefully curated masterpieces.

Upon reaching the site, the booming sound of the cascading water provides a soothing soundtrack, enhancing the sense of serenity that envelops you.

From various vantage points, visitors can marvel at the sheer power and grace of the waterfall as it tumbles over rocky outcrops, splashing into crystal-clear pools below.

The sight of the water, framed by the rich green foliage, creates a stunning contrast, a perfect harmony between earth, water and sky.

For those who seek a deeper connection with nature, the surrounding Bvumba Mountains offer ample opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Meandering trails lead a visitor through dense forests and across streams, where every step brings a new discovery – be it a rare flower, hidden wildlife track, or unobstructed view of the breathtaking valley below.

The landscape here is both wild and welcoming, sanctuary for those eager to experience the raw beauty of Zimbabwe’s natural world.

Chinamata Falls is not just a destination — it is an experience — a celebration of nature’s most splendid wonders.

Whether you are a seasoned traveller, passionate photographer, or simply someone in search of peace and quiet, this hidden paradise will captivate your heart.

Time seems to stand still as you lose yourself in the spectacle before you, knowing that you are witnessing something truly magical, far from the reach of the ordinary world.

Indeed, while Chinamata Falls stands as a breathtaking testament to nature’s splendour, the journey to this hidden paradise is not without its challenges.

The roads leading to the site, though picturesque in their own right, are in need of urgent rehabilitation.

Worn and uneven, these rugged paths can make the journey more arduous than anticipated, testing the patience of even the most seasoned travellers.

However, for those undeterred by a bit of adventure, the reward at the end is more than worth the effort.

Once you finally reach the falls, the difficulty of the road is quickly forgotten, as you are enveloped in the serene beauty of the landscape.

Still, the road conditions serve as a reminder of the untapped potential of this remarkable destination.

With proper road improvements, Chinamata Falls could easily become an even more accessible jewel, drawing tourists from far and wide to experience its magic in greater comfort.

For now, those who venture to this unspoiled corner of Zimbabwe are offered a unique opportunity — to witness first hand the transformative power of nature in a place that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.

From Mutare, one reaches the Bvumba Botanical Gardens, head southwest along the main road (Bvumba Road). Continue a drive for about five kilometers until one reaches an intersection with a sign directing you to Chinamata Falls.

Turn left at the sign and follow the road for another two kilometres.

There will be a designated parking area.

While tourism is a vital part of Zimbabwe’s economy, it is important to balance commercial interests with conservation goals.

The pristine falls should, however, be safeguarded as a natural wonder, allowing future generations to enjoy its beauty while preserving the integrity of the ecosystem surrounding it.

Involving local communities in the protection efforts can ensure that they benefit from the tourism while also taking on the responsibility of preserving the area.

Initiatives like eco-tourism projects or offering local guides who are educated on conservation would empower the community to be stewards of their environment.

Creating awareness among visitors about the ecological importance of the falls and its surrounding environment can foster a sense of responsibility.

Providing information through signage, brochures, or guided tours can help educate tourists about the delicate balance of the ecosystem and encourage them to act respectfully.

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11/01/2025

Chinese mining companies poisoning wildlife in Lake Chivero and Mid Zambezi region

The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has suggested that the recent deaths of wildlife around Lake Chivero and in the Mid-Zambezi region were caused by poisonous substances used in open-cast mining at Chinese-owned establishments.

According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, and livestock from nearby farms died after drinking water in Lake Chivero contaminated with cyanobacteria.

ZimParks also confirmed that nineteen hippos have mysteriously died over the past three months in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located in the Mid-Zambezi region.

Preliminary findings suggest that the hippos succumbed to malnutrition due to severe drought, as they were found to have travelled up to 10 kilometres from their usual habitat in search of food.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, CNRG indicated that the deaths occurring during the rainy season suggest the animals drank water contaminated by toxic chemicals used in mining. Reads the statement:

> The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) is deeply concerned about the recent deaths of 19 hippos in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located along the Zambezi Valley.

> According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) issued on January 7th, these tragic deaths occurred over the past three months.

> This follows closely on the heels of another environmental disaster at Lake Chivero, where both wildlife and aquatic life have been decimated due to severe pollution.

> The sudden and significant loss of these hippos highlights potential underlying environmental issues, such as habitat degradation, water pollution, or the detrimental effects of human activities in the area.

> This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger wildlife conservation efforts and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to safeguard Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity.

> In a broader context, CNRG is alarmed by the rapid growth of large-scale open-cast mining operations across Zimbabwe in the past five years, particularly those led by Chinese nationals collaborating with the country’s political elites.

> These mining operations, which often completely disregard the rule of law, have raised serious concerns about their impact on local communities, the environment, and biodiversity.

> A particularly controversial practice these operations employ is heap leaching, commonly used in gold recovery. This process involves treating gold ore with a dilute alkaline sodium cyanide solution.

> While cost-effective for large-scale mining, heap leaching poses significant environmental and health risks.

> The toxic chemicals used in the process can easily contaminate water sources and soil, leading to long-term ecological damage and harm to local populations.

> It is no coincidence that the deaths of white rhinoceros and fish at Lake Chivero and the hippos in the Zambezi Valley occur during the rainy season.

> The rains wash the poorly disposed cyanide into surface runoff, contaminating rivers and dams. The threat to humans is extremely high.

> The expansion of destructive mining activities reflects deteriorating governance standards within Zimbabwe’s resource sector, often prioritizing short-term economic gains over environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.

> This growing disregard for environmental laws is alarming, especially when coupled with the lack of meaningful oversight from the relevant authorities.

> One of the most concerning examples of this is the case of Sino Africa Huijin, a Chinese mining syndicate operating at Premier Estate in Old Mutare.

> In 2023, CNRG petitioned Parliament regarding the pollution of the Mutare River—a vital tributary of the Odzi River- caused by heap leaching techniques at this site.

> Despite extensive oral evidence hearings involving CNRG, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the Ministry of Mines, which were concluded in May 2024, Parliament has yet to take any action.

> The lack of a site visit to Premier Estate and the failure to address the petition has led to increasing frustration among local communities, environmental groups, and concerned citizens.

> This ongoing inaction by Parliament is not only undermining public trust in governmental institutions, but it also signals a worrying indifference to the environmental and social consequences of unchecked mining activities.

CNRG calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the deaths of hippos to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect the remaining wildlife and prevent further losses.
Parliament should conduct an urgent site visit to Premier Estate, and take prompt, decisive action to address the violations raised in the petition. It is crucial that the concerns of local populations are taken seriously, and that Zimbabwe’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.
We urge Parliament to take immediate and decisive action to address the devastating environmental impact of mining activities across the country. The alarming rate of environmental degradation and pollution caused by these activities demands swift attention and effective mitigation measures.

CNRG remains committed to advocating for stronger environmental protections and will continue to hold accountable those responsible for the degradation of the country’s ecosystems.

--Pindula News

03/01/2025

Plans to reverse Lake Chivero pollution underway

A COMPREHENSIVE plan to tackle the environmental threats facing vital freshwater resources, particularly Lake Chivero, has been unveiled by Government.

The initiative follows a severe environmental disaster late last year, caused by cyanobacteria linked to the Harare City Council’s discharge of raw sewage and the dumping of industrial waste by local companies.

Lake Chivero, situated about 40km southwest of Harare, is experiencing alarming levels of pollution, siltation and ecological disturbances.

The issues not only threaten biodiversity, but also impact over 20 000 families who rely on the lake for water and their livelihoods, particularly in fishing.

At a press conference addressing critical environmental issues in Harare yesterday, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, emphasised the urgency of dealing with the Lake Chivero situation.

“Lake Chivero is vital for drinking water and supports local biodiversity,” she said.

“Many are now left with nothing to do. There is an urgent need for the Ministry, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, to take immediate action to restore the lake’s health.”

As part of the Government’s initiative, Minister Nyoni outlined several measures, including formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate efforts in addressing water pollution.

The other plan is to have real-time monitoring systems installed to track pollution levels and inform management decisions while a proposal for over US$250 million has been set in motion to revamp aging wastewater management systems and replace outdated sewer infrastructure.

Minister Nyoni also highlighted the necessity for additional funding to assist in cleaning out the dams.

Notably, the lake’s maximum depth has decreased from 27 metres to 20,7 metres, largely due to sediment accumulation, which poses a significant threat to aquatic life and overall biodiversity.

Government’s commitment underscores the urgent need for decisive action to restore Lake Chivero and protect the livelihoods of the communities that depend on it.

Recently, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) said cyanobacteria caused the death of wildlife and fish in Lake Chivero.

ZimParks said thorough investigations conducted by the University of Zimbabwe and their own Veterinary and Capture Unit, conclusively showed that cyanobacteria was responsible for the deaths.

The Authority also said it was committed to ensuring that the problem affecting Lake Chivero was rectified to preserve natural heritage.