TRADITIONAL leaders have raised alarm over the destruction of culturally significant mountains through mining activities in Matabeleland, warning that the practice threatens not only the environment but also sacred heritage and community livelihoods.
Chief’s Council president Chief Mtshane Khumalo said communities across the country are increasingly concerned about mining operations that are flattening mountains without consultation with traditional leaders.
“These are not just ordinary mountains,” Chief Khumalo said in an interview.
“Some of them are sacred — izintabaezihloniphekayo.
“But miners come with letters and begin digging without engaging the local leadership or the communities.”
He said entire mountains have been reduced to flat ground in the search for gold, leaving behind environmental damage and cultural loss.
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“You find a huge mountain isitshayweyazeyalinganalomhlabathi.
“That is a serious concern because these places carry cultural and spiritual significance for communities,” he said.
Beyond the destruction of sacred landscapes, Chief Khumalo expressed concern over abandoned mining pits left uncovered, which have become death traps for livestock.
“The law requires miners to close pits after extracting minerals, but many leave them open,” he said.
“As it is raining, these pits fill with water or become hidden by vegetation. Cattle fall into them, break their legs, or die. We are receiving such reports from across the country.”
Livestock are a critical economic asset for rural households, serving as a source of income, food, and social status.
Chief Khumalo said traditional leaders have formally raised the issue with the governments, which acknowledged the concerns and promised to address them.
“We have engaged the government because this is affecting communities directly,” he said.
“These activities are not being done by outsiders only, but by our own people.
“That makes it even more difficult to address.”
While mining remains a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, traditional leaders said development must not come at the expense of cultural heritage, environmental protection, and community safety.
Chief Khumalo said meaningful consultation with traditional authorities was essential before mining activities begin.
“These places belong to communities. There must be respect, engagement, and protection of our heritage,” he said.
There is rising public anger against mining companies for committing serious crimes ranging from forced evictions to pollution and loss of habitats sometimes with few or no legal consequences.
Villagers have reported widespread ecological damage, including the decimation of a mountain and the displacement of wildlife.
They also say tremors from the blasting mining operations have caused structural damage to homes.
Chief Khumalo also highlighted infrastructure damage caused by heavy rains, which have destroyed roads and bridges, further isolating rural communities.
“Roads and bridges have been badly damaged. Even tarred roads are now in poor condition. Vehicles require servicing after travelling short distances,” he said.
He called on the government to prioritise rehabilitation of rural roads to ensure access to markets, health services, and community resources.