Miners Celebrate as ZMF Secures Major EV Deals in China, cars will be sold on a loan scheme to members
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) is abuzz with excitement following the organisation’s President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya‘s successful negotiations in China in securing an electric vehicle (EV) scheme for the organisation’s members.
Brand new EV cars will be sold on a loan scheme to ZMF members and non-members, with ZMF members benefiting from a discounted rate. The schedule for the cars will be unveiled soon, but gleaned information indicates that the cars will be sold for less than USD$8,000.
Morgan Mugawu, Secretary-General of ZMF, lauded Rushwaya’s achievements, emphasizing the tangible benefits that EV adoption will bring to ZMF members.
Under the newly established scheme, ASM participants can acquire EV motorcycles at an affordable rate, with a minimal $300 deposit and a convenient payment plan of $200 monthly for three months.
Expressing gratitude toward President Rushwaya for her leadership and vision, Mugawu highlighted the need for continuous innovation in equipment manufacturing. He envisions a future where not only transportation but also mining equipment operates on electricity, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to Zimbabwe’s green revolution agenda.
The Secretary for Youths, Darlington Ndhlovu, supported this achievement as a revolutionary milestone in the mining sector, aiding toward the attainment of Vision 2030, where no one will be left behind and every miner, especially the youths, will be given an equal opportunity to prove their mettle.
The ZMF National Chairman, Mr. Tichaona Mharadze, said ZMF will never be the same again with such initiatives being created for the small-scale miners by its leadership.
The National Secretary for Women, Madam Jesica Mazivazvose, applauded the move, advising all women to capitalize on the current good price of gold and gave this example: sell 5 grams of gold to Fidelity, and you get your deposit for the motorbike. As for the balance, you only need to raise less than 8 grams in two months. You need 12 grams to be a proud owner of an electric motorbike, Mazivazvose said.
Building on this momentum, ZMF recently launched an equipment and consumables scheme in Zvishavane, specifically targeting the empowerment of youth and women engaged in ASM activities. This initiative reflects ZMF’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and sustainability within the mining sector, ensuring that all members have access to resources and opportunities for growth.
The ZMF EV scheme will be unveiled in June at the ZMF AGM, which will be graced by the Mines and Mining Development Minister, Hon. Winston Chitando.
Rushwaya’s initiative marks a significant stride toward promoting green energy within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, aiming to curb carbon emissions in Zimbabwe. In line with the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Rushwaya’s efforts underscore the commitment to foster sustainable practices within Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Rushwaya could not be reached for comment as she is still in China.