Chisi still observed in the mining sector
Artisanal and small scale miners in the Norton constituency are still observing Chisi as an aspect of our culture as Zimbabweans. In an interview with Mining Zimbabwe, artisanal miners indicated that this is done to respect the owners of the land( the ancestors), as well as to give themselves a day to rest.
Mirirai Melissa Ngoya
Taking a tour in the Norton mining areas last Thursday, it came to our attention that mining operations are not undertaken on Thursdays which they recognize as Chisi, a day set aside for them to rest and to honour Zimbabwean historical culture and traditions.
The Chairman of the Norton Miners Association Mr Moyo had this to say, “Most small scale miners believe in upholding cultural values, hence the need to respect Chisi. Just like in a Muslim religious circle whereby Muslims believe in their Fridays hence they close all their businesses for a certain time.”
Therefore, this signifies that the operations being performed by small scale miners are in line with our cultural panorama as a nation since the miners are following what our forefathers used to do.
Credit must be given to these miners for adhering to our customs, this has actually seen the small scale mining sector producing and delivering more gold to Fidelity. It takes culturally motivated individuals like these to mend Zimbabwe’s economic sphere because by virtue of them being miners they saw it necessary to observe the ‘archaic’ rules of labor, making them effective once again.
“For us who believe in Chisi, we respect it as per our custom and the good news about Chisi in the mining sector is that it is not 24hours but 12-6hours depending on what the spirit medium says. Thus, if we believe in our traditional culture in the mining industry, we must also observe the rules and regulations involved in these operations”, said Moyo.
Further, one artisanal miner anonymously said, “I have learnt to do what my forefathers used to do, that is respecting the Zimbabwean soils by observing Chisi.”
“It is important to adhere to our customs and tradition at a community and national level as this will open up many blessings from the ancestors”, he added.
Prosperity is the utmost stage of intensive learning, one becomes successful in learning through listening and obedience. Thus, the things which may be deemed unnecessary or archaic are the root cause of our downfall as a nation because culture is what identifies us as a people.