Zimbabwe’s mining industry is set for a major gathering in Kwekwe this weekend, with all mining entities expected to be represented at the Chamber of Mines Inter Mines Golf Tournament as strong interest from suppliers drives participation, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The tournament, formerly known as the Jumbo Golf Tournament, will be hosted by Zimplats at the Kwekwe Country Club, bringing together mining companies, suppliers and other stakeholders from across the industry.
Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe chief executive Isaac Kwesu said participation had increased this year, with mining companies across the sector, including new entrants still at the project-initiation stage, joining the event to build industry connections.
“All mining entities this year, unlike in the past, are going to be represented, including the new entrants. Those that are still at project initiation level, they are equally coming to do their networking,” Kwesu told Mining Zimbabwe.
The strong turnout has also been reflected among mining suppliers, with organisers receiving enough interest to require limits on the number of teams individual companies could enter.
Kwesu said some suppliers had sought to register multiple teams, but the Chamber opted to spread participation more widely so that businesses across the supplier base could benefit from the networking opportunities.
“We want to give every mining supplier an opportunity to network,” he said.
The level of interest underscores the growing role of the tournament beyond golf, with the Chamber using the event as an informal platform for mining companies and their business partners to engage on issues affecting their operations.
Kwesu said the relaxed setting allows miners and suppliers to discuss business matters and build relationships outside the more formal environment of conventional meetings.
“This tournament provides networking opportunities for miners and other key stakeholders, specifically those in the sector, suppliers, to link and discuss key matters that affect their business in a relaxed environment, as opposed to hard meetings,” he said.
The Chamber regards the tournament as one of Zimbabwe’s largest golf events outside the Zimbabwe Open, in terms of participation as well as the organisation of prizes.
This year’s edition will take place in Kwekwe, placing the event in the Midlands, one of the country’s key mining centres. The location also provides a central meeting point for participants travelling from different parts of Zimbabwe.
The tournament is expected to bring together established mining producers, new projects and suppliers serving the sector, creating opportunities for businesses across the value chain to strengthen relationships and engage on issues affecting the industry.
Kwekwe’s political leadership is also expected to attend the event, which has received local support.
For the Chamber, the broad participation reflects the value of creating informal platforms where mining companies, suppliers and other industry stakeholders can connect and discuss business opportunities and challenges.
The tournament will therefore combine competition on the golf course with a wider programme of industry networking, as Zimbabwe’s mining companies and their business partners converge on Kwekwe.
