Kwekwe, a city located in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe, is known as the “Gold Capital” of the country.
The city has a rich history, steeped in gold mining traditions and myths. Despite being a small city, Kwekwe has a lot to offer, including interesting facts, myths, and investment opportunities.
Kwekwe is a small city located in the Great Dyke with a population of approximately 120,000.
The city’s name is derived from the Shona word “Kwekwekwe,” which means “the sound of metal hitting metal.”
The name is a reference to the sound of the gold miners’ tools hitting the rocks while mining for gold.
Kwekwe has a rich history, dating back to the pre-colonial era. The city was a major centre for the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which was known for its gold mining activities.
Later the Portuguese settled on the centre and established a trading post in the area. The British then took control of the city during the colonial era and used it as a major hub for the mining industry.
Kwekwe is a multicultural city, with people from different ethnic groups living in the area. The city is home to several historical and cultural sites, including the National Mining Museum, which showcases the city’s rich mining history.
Kwekwe has a rich history of myths and legends, some of which are still told today. One popular myth is that of the “Chikorokoza.” Chikorokoza is a Shona word that refers to illegal gold mining.
The myth has it that there are underground spirits that protect the gold in the mines and that anyone who tries to steal the gold will be cursed.
Another popular myth is that of the “Tokoloshe.” The Tokoloshe is a mythical creature that is said to be responsible for the deaths of gold miners in the area. The creature is believed to be a small, hairy, and mischievous being that can only be seen by those who believe in it.
Kwekwe has several tourist attractions worth exploring, ranging from historic gold mines and museums to nature reserves and artisanal crafts. The city’s rich history and cultural heritage make it an interesting and unique destination for tourists.
Kwekwe presents several investment opportunities, particularly in the mining industry. The city is home to several gold mines, and is the nerve centre of Zimasco, one of the biggest producers of chrome and ferrochrome, as well as the Globe and Phoenix Mine, which is one of the oldest and largest gold mines in the country. The city also has significant deposits of other minerals, including chrome, iron, and asbestos.
Zimasco operates several mines in Zimbabwe, including the Mutorashanga and Lalapanzi mines, which are among the largest and most productive chrome mines in the country. The company also operates a smelting plant in Kwekwe, which processes the chrome ore into ferrochrome.
Zimasco has a strong focus on sustainable development and environmental management. The company has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of closed furnaces to reduce emissions and the use of recycled water in its operations. Additionally, Zimasco has implemented several corporate social responsibility programmes, including education and health programmes for its employees and the local community.
Investing in the mining industry in Kwekwe comes with several advantages, including access to a skilled workforce and a favourable tax regime. Zimbabwe has a highly educated and skilled workforce, with a strong background in mining and related industries. Additionally, the Zimbabwean government has implemented several measures to attract and protect investors in the mining industry.
Investors can choose from a range of investment opportunities, including exploration, mining, and processing.
Kwekwe may be a small city, but it has a lot to offer. The city’s rich history, myths, and investment opportunities make it an exciting destination for investors looking to tap into the mining industry. Kwekwe’s gold mining heritage, combined with its significant deposits of other minerals, presents a unique opportunity for investors seeking to tap into the mining industry.
To that end, on the 14th of July 2023, Buy Zimbabwe in partnership with MEJRKH Communications will be hosting the Great Dyke Awards and book launch to recognize outstanding achievements by individuals and companies in various sectors, which includes mining, agriculture, tourism, and the manufacturing industry operating in the Great Dyke. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the guest of honour. The President will also launch the Great Dyke booklet which documents the investment opportunities in the region.
