The myths surrounding the African mining sector raises a lot of debates and arguments which at times would lead to conflicts between people of different religious backgrounds . recently Norton miners held a Bira with traditional leaders in an attempt to demystify the myth surrounding the sector.
Rudairo Dickson Mapuranga
The traditional Bira for all miners was attended by famous Zimbabwean traditional leaders among them Chief Chivero and Tenzi Nehoreka, who are considered to be the real custodians of Zim culture.
According to Norton Miners Association chairperson Privilege Moyo, the traditional Bira for all miners is a pioneer event in trying to bring spiritual land ownership and the physical. It is the African ground breaking mining ceremony which is a missing link in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“We want to follow our traditional beliefs as miners because even in the western world they do their own ground breaking ceremonies. Why should we copy them when our ancestors had their own ground breaking ceremonies in their mines?”
“African ground breaking ceremony is the missing link in the mining industry in Zimbabwe” said Moyo
Norton Member of Parliament Hon Temba Mliswa said that the event was long over due, traditional leaders should be involved in community development projects and mining is an underground project which is undeniably dangerous therefore it requires experts who operate in realms.
Themba also said that his constituency is engaging in various businesses since development is a bottom up approach.
According to the traditional leaders, it is very crucial for miners to follow laws of the land . Hence they should not include foreign ancestors when mining in the land of Zimbabwe, a country which has its own ancestors.
“We are not supposed to call Abraham or whoever when digging in Chief Chivero’s area, the area belongs to Dzimbahwe, the ancestors of Zimbabwe” said Tenzi Nehoreka.
Spiritual partnership
According to Tenzi Nehoreka, every stone and minerals found in certain areas in Zimbabwe belong to the people of that particular area therefore it is necessary for miners to respect the spiritual significance of the area by seeking permission from Chiefs and spirit mediums who are the representatives of the people.
Nehoreka also blasted government policies for being Eurocentric, according to Nehoreka all the laws in Zimbabwe are meant to benefit white people and politicians are doing nothing to right this wrong except fighting each other everyday.
Nehoreka said African prophets (spirit mediums) and Chiefs should be given enough power through the constitution so that they bring people together regardless of their political differences.
“When you want to mine, first consult spiritual leaders in order for them to open doors of blessings from the ancestors of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Spiritual laws
The traditional leaders warned miners against going to witch-doctors seeking luck and other charms because this is against Zimbabwean ancestors.
They were also warned against rowdy behaviors in mining areas, killing each other with machetes and they were also urged to desist from sexual activities during working hours.
“You must not visit n’anga or engage in sexual activities when going to your mines or during working hours, do not be promiscuous , you must shun violence!,” exclaimed Tenzi Nehoreka .
Nehoreka also said that, although they can own and manage mines ,women are not supposed to go underground to dig as this will anger the ancestors.
“Women are ‘kings’ they should be provided for by men, therefore they should never go into pits as this is against our own culture and tradition, doing so will anger our ancestors ,” he said.
However, women in mining were not happy with Nehoreka’s sentiments . The representative of women in Norton Miners Association , Pamela is of the view that the move will see more women having low self –esteem and being looked down upon by their workers.
Physical deals
According to Chief Chivero, if the people unite and adhere to their agreements, their mining operations will be blessed.
“Zimbabweans are united , we do our businesses in harmony whist honouring our agreements , the spiritual world will also be happy” said Chief Chivero