Following Dinson Iron and Steel Company’s (DISCO) announcement of producing its first batch of pig iron at the Manhize Steel Plant last Wednesday, hostile Western-sponsored Civic Society Organisations (CSOs), led by the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), have made attempts to disrupt the company’s operations
. The CRD reportedly hired a mob to block DISCO Steel Company trucks, protesting alleged mistreatment by investors, including arbitrary land capture without compensation, hunger, and dust pollution.However, the claims made by the CRD are utterly false. James Mupfumi, the Executive Director of CRD, and his organization have been warned about the consequences of disseminating false information harmful to the State.
It is evident that CRD’s Western backers are displeased with the strengthening of Zimbabwe-China economic ties and are orchestrating this drama to create a pretext for urging international consumers to boycott products from DISCO, falsely alleging human rights abuses by the company.In the past, CRD partnered with Farai Maguwu’s Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) to bar the Marange Diamond Fields from being Kimberley Process (KP) certified. Their efforts were unsuccessful then and are unlikely to succeed now at the Manhize Steel Plant.In truth, the Manhize Steel Plant has revitalized the 132-hectare Manhize-Gavunga Integrated Wetland Project, providing a vast market for its fresh produce.
Located just 8 kilometers from the steel plant, this project benefits over 100 families and aligns perfectly with the Government’s agenda of economic empowerment for all citizens, embodying the principle of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’.Additionally, 10 villagers relocated to Nyikavanhu Village to pave the way for the steel plant’s construction now officially own new houses. Each family received a model modern homestead built by the company. The families and the majority of locals in the area have testified that the project was a blessing, allowing them to farm and sell their produce to the Manhize Steel Plant, which offers a readily available market.
The project has also boosted the Rural Electrification agenda. The 97km high voltage power line from Sherwood in Kwekwe to Manhize benefits communities and businesses in the area.The company prioritizes employing local youths. As of December 2023, out of 1800 employees, 1400 were youths aged 18 to 35, with the majority being locals. DISCO recently launched a program to fight drug and substance abuse in the workplace, supporting the Government and President Mnangagwa’s efforts against drug and substance abuse.
In November 2023, DISCO completed the roofing of school blocks at Chishuko School in Chirumanzu-Zibagwe Constituency after they were damaged by violent storms. The traditional leadership, led by Chief Chirumanzu, along with parents, students, and the community, remain grateful to the company.DISCO’s Manhize Steel Plant is a key product of the Second Republic’s drive towards industrial revitalization and economic recovery. Upon completion, it aims to turn Zimbabwe into a net exporter of steel.
Positive Eye News
