In a monumental gesture of support for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has generously donated lapidary equipment to the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) with an aim of fostering employment opportunities for women and youth.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr. P. Kambamura, emphasized the significance of this partnership, highlighting its pivotal role in promoting value addition and beneficiation of gemstones.
“This donation symbolizes a powerful collaboration between two key institutions,” stated Dr. Kambamura. “It underscores our collective commitment to human capital development, a cornerstone in our journey toward achieving Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an Upper Middle-Income Country by 2030.”
Acknowledging the strategic roles played by MMCZ and ZSM in national economic development, Dr. Kambamura underscored the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a growing mining sector. He praised MMCZ for its proactive approach in partnering with ZSM to empower youth and women in establishing their own value addition centers across the country.
“The world is undergoing rapid technological advancement, and Zimbabwe must keep pace,” remarked Dr. Kambamura. “As we embrace the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by innovation, it is imperative that our educational institutions, like ZSM, align themselves with modern trends to meet the evolving needs of the mining industry.”
Dr. Kambamura urged stakeholders to continue supporting ZSM in its mission to drive innovation and excellence in mining education. He commended MMCZ for its foresight in investing in the skills development of the gemstones sector, urging ZSM to leverage the donation to maximize its impact on the country’s mining industry.
In addition, Dr. Kambamura emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in advancing Zimbabwe’s sustainable development agenda. He extended his congratulations to MMCZ, ZSM, and all partners involved in this transformative initiative.
The donation ceremony, held against the backdrop of the 2024 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair with the theme “Innovation as a Catalyst for Industrialization and Trade,” marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s quest for economic growth and prosperity.