Nestled in the heart of Zimbabwe lies a region that has been dubbed the country’s “mining heartland”.
The stretch of road from Shurugwi to Zvishavane is home to some of the most productive and lucrative mines in the country, as well as some of the most beautiful scenery that Zimbabwe has to offer.
The Shurugwi-Zvishavane area is known for its rich mineral deposits, including gold, platinum, chrome, and nickel.
The area is home to some of the largest mines in Zimbabwe, including Mimosa, the second-largest platinum mine in the country, and Unki, a major platinum mine owned by Anglo American.
Other notable mines in the area include Murowa Diamonds, one of the largest diamond mines in Zimbabwe, and Sabi Gold Mine, one of the oldest and most historic gold mines in the country.
The Shurugwi-Zvishavane area also boasts of some of the most stunning scenery in Zimbabwe.
The area is characterised by rolling hills and valleys, with lush vegetation and plenty of wildlife.
Visitors can take a drive through the countryside and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, or take a hike through one of the many nature reserves in the area.
In addition to its mining activities and scenic views, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane area also offers plenty of leisure activities for visitors to enjoy.
The area is home to several golf courses, including the Shurugwi Golf Club and the Zvishavane Golf Club, as well as several parks and recreational areas where visitors can enjoy picnics, hiking, and camping.
Off the 45km peg along the Shurugwi Zvishavane highway lies the Palawani Lakeworld Resort. This hidden gem is a haven for travellers seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The resort offers a range of accommodation options all of which are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
The resort offers a range of dining options, including a restaurant that serves delicious local and international fresh fish cuisine, as well as a bar where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and cocktails.
The resort also offers a range of activities, including, fishing, mini golf, boating, biking, team building sessions, zip lining and many more. Guests can also take a dip in the resort’s swimming pool or relax near the lake.
The Palawani Lakeworld Resort is committed to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices.
The resort’s facilities are designed to minimize impact on the environment, and the staff works hard to educate guests on the importance of conservation.
The resort also supports local conservation efforts, including reforestation and habitat restoration.
The Shurugwi-Zvishavane area also presents a wealth of business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
There are also several agricultural opportunities in the area, including livestock farming and crop production.
When visiting the Shurugwi-Zvishavane area, visitors should be aware of the local customs and traditions.
The area is home to several different ethnic groups, including the Shona and Ndebele people, as well as the migrant community from SADC countries especially Zambia and Malawi, hence visitors should be respectful of the customs and traditions of each ethnic group.
Visitors should also be aware of the local climate, which can be hot and dry during the summer months but cold in winter.
The Shurugwi-Zvishavane area offers visitors a unique blend of mining activities, scenic views, leisure activities, and business opportunities.
Zvishavane has a thriving business community, with a range of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the town. Mimosa is however the significant employer of note in the town.
The majority of these businesses are related to the mining industry, providing products and services to the mining companies in the area.
However, there are also businesses in other sectors, such as retail, hospitality, agriculture and media. The town is nerve centre of YAFM’s radio broadcasts. The station has expanded its footprint to Gweru where it has opened a new regional office.
Zvishavane is also home to the Midlands State University campus, with the university being one of the largest tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe. The university offers a wide range of degree programmes in fields such as business, media studies, law, engineering, and agriculture.
It also has a strong research focus and has been involved in several research projects in partnership with local and international organizations.
Zvishavane is also home to two popular football teams, FC Platinum and Shabanie Mine FC.
FC Platinum has since grown to become one of the most successful football teams in Zimbabwe.
The team has won several local titles, including the Castle Premier Soccer League title on four consecutive times.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the region’s rich mining history, taking in the breathtaking scenery, or exploring the area’s many leisure activities, there’s something for everyone in Zimbabwe’s mining heartland.
On the 16th of June 2023 , Buy Zimbabwe will host their sectoral awards in Gweru to honour excelling companies and individuals in the Shurugwi- Zvishavane area and the rest of the Great Dyke where a booklet on investment opportunities in the area will also be launched.
President Mnangagwa is the invited guest of honour.
