Unki Mine planning manager Collins Mwatahwa passes away
Anglo American Platinum has announced the untimely death of Unki Mine Planning Manager Collins Mwatahwa.
Mwatahwa passed away on, Thursday the 11th of May 2023 in Gweru, he was 53.
According to the Platinum miner, Mwatahwa joined the company as a Graduate Trainee on January 26th, 1993, and he worked his way up the ranks, serving as an Exploration Manager and Chief Geologist before becoming the Mine Planning Manager on March 1, 2021, a role he held until his untimely passing.
He was also the secretary for the Geological Society of Zimbabwe.
Many in the mining community have expressed condolences and shock at the sudden loss.
Unki Mine General Manager Mr. Walter Nemasasi expressed his heartfelt condolences.
“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a friend and colleague. It’s always difficult to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, especially someone with whom we spend a large part of our lives. Losing someone we work with is never easy and it can be difficult to find the right words to say. Collins will be greatly missed and his memory will live on through the positive impact he made on those around him,” Nemasasi said.
Caledonia Mining Executive Director, Victor Gapare, said that Mwatahwa’s death had robbed many of a reliable and upstanding individual.
“The testimonies on this forum are amazing and are a true reflection of who Collins was to many of us. Collins was truly an officer and a gentleman. He was a guy who was always ready to be helpful whenever he was called upon to do so. When my colleagues and I left Anglo in 2003, Collins worked with us to ensure all the mineral rights which we bought and were in Anglo’s name were properly transferred to us. He gave us all the support we needed. There was absolutely no drama unlike in other areas where we experienced a few problems. Go well, Collins. Fare thee well my friend,” Gapare said on a mining forum.
“A big loss to the Family and the Geological Fraternity. I remember even in 1992 when I was in the 2nd year of Geology, when he was an Honours Student, coming to demonstrate to us during Optical Mineralogy practicals, how he simplified things with all the tricks in identifying minerals under the microscope, and even the challenges with Optical Indicatrix with the late Professor JF Wilson. Collins was a good teacher, mentor, and brother to many who interacted with him. Early 2000’s he was my Boss when we resuscitated Hunters Road, a very knowledgeable and with zeal to clarify things, a man, full of humor. Rest in Eternal Peace my Brother,” said another.
“Collins was a good-nurtured, wise Geologist who, on field trips, shared his wide experience with many including some of us who invaded his “cooler box” and whiskey! What I’m trying to convey is simply that we have lost a keen Geologist, a glue to many successful field trips! Gosh mate, we will miss you!” another on the forum expressed.
Mwatahwa is survived by his Wife, His Son Leeroy (24), and his daughter Lindsay (13).
Funeral arrangements
Mourners are gathered at House Number 178 Manresa, Greendale (near Macadamia Road) in Harare.
Anglo expressed its heartfelt condolences and support to the Mwatahwa family from the Unki Management team and all the employees during this difficult time.