The Induction Workshop for the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development was held at Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel from 12 to 14 July 2024. The event was graced by the Honourable Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament, who emphasized the critical role of the Committee in overseeing one of Zimbabwe’s most vital economic sectors.
The workshop aimed to equip the Committee members with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their constitutional mandate of law-making, oversight, and representation. It also focused on the obligations related to budget appropriation and the ratification of international treaties and agreements.
The mining sector in Zimbabwe contributes significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for 8% and providing over 45,000 formal jobs and around one million informal employment opportunities through artisanal and small-scale mining. The sector also generates 60% of the country’s export receipts. Consequently, the Committee was urged to collaborate with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to ensure the adoption of innovative mining strategies that would enhance productivity and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
The workshop underscored the constitutional responsibilities of the Committee, highlighting sections of the Constitution that outline the legislative and oversight roles of Parliament. Section 130(1) entrusts Parliament with crafting laws for peace, order, and good governance, while Section 117(2) confers legislative authority to amend the Constitution and make laws for the country’s governance. The Committee was reminded of its duty to uphold these principles and ensure that all institutions and agencies of government act constitutionally and in the national interest, as stipulated in Section 119.
Furthermore, the Committee was briefed on the provisions of the National Assembly Standing Orders, particularly Standing Order No. 21, which mandates Portfolio Committees to examine government expenditure, administration, and policy, consider bills and statutory instruments, and monitor legislative programs and budgets. The Committee was encouraged to engage in open and honest dialogue with witnesses from the Ministry and related stakeholders while avoiding an adversarial approach.
The workshop also addressed the legislative framework for sound governance, focusing on sections of the Public Finance Management Act that require Committees to demand budget performance reports from Ministries. The Committee was urged to analyze these reports and monitor the implementation of recommendations from the Public Accounts Committee on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s financial performance.
A significant topic of discussion was Zimbabwe’s participation in the United Nations panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, appointed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This panel presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to boost revenues, create jobs, and diversify the economy through partnerships with manufacturers of electric vehicles and storage batteries. The Committee was tasked with ensuring that the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development formulates policies and legislation that attract investment in critical energy minerals. The urgent tabling of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill was highlighted as essential for addressing conflicts in the mining sector and aligning with regional and international agreements.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and competitiveness in state contracts related to mining, as mandated by Section 315(2) of the Constitution. The Committee was encouraged to scrutinize mining contracts and ensure they provide optimal value for the country, in line with the 2009 Africa Mining Vision.
Corporate social responsibility in the mining sector was another key focus. The Committee was reminded to verify if mining companies are benefiting local communities, as required by Section 13(4) of the Constitution. The introduction of a 1% corporate social responsibility levy on certain minerals was noted as a step towards ensuring community benefits.
Finally, the Committee was urged to champion value addition and beneficiation of minerals, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). The workshop concluded with a call to embrace smart mining practices driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the mining sector’s success.
The Induction Workshop for the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development was officially opened with a call for constructive deliberations, reflecting on the critical role of the mining sector in Zimbabwe’s economic development.
