Fourth is economic empowerment through local employment. This motion’s proposal to require companies to prioritise 80% local employment is another crucial intervention. Section 14, subsection 1 of our Constitution emphasises the need to empower marginalised communities through affirmative action. By mandating local hiring, we will reduce unemployment, increase household incomes and stimulate local economies.
Fifth is to let us just draw lessons from regional success stories to show that it actually works. We need not speculate. Other nations in our region have successfully implemented similar policies. Hon. Speaker, Botswana’s Diamond Revenue Model, Botswana’s partnership with De Beers, through De Botswana, ensures that a significant proportion of diamond profits is reinvested in education, healthcare and infrastructure. This model transformed Botswana from one of the poorest countries to an upper-middle-income nation.
South Africa’s social and labour plans under South Africa’s mining charter, companies must invest in community development and provide employment for locals. The policy also provides for the companies to invest in skills training of local communities. This policy has funded schools, clinics and roads in rural areas affected by mining activities. Crossing over to Zambia’s community development funds. In Zambia, mining companies contribute to local community development funds which finance infrastructure projects and support small businesses in host communities. These are just examples that prove that mandatory community benefit schemes are practical and transformative.
Hon. Speaker, sixth is a legacy for future generations. By enacting this policy, the 10th Parliament will make history. This motion is not just about present-day benefits, it is a national legacy that protects community inheritance for future generations. It ensures that the wealth derived from Zimbabwean soil benefits Zimbabweans first and foremost. Hon. Speaker, the people of Zimbabwe have waited long enough. It is time to compel all companies operating on our land to invest in the communities that sustain them. This is a call for justice, fairness and sustainable development. I therefore urge this House to support the motion for enacting community social benefit schemes without delay. I so submit.
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