Only Six Of Fifty-Nine Community Trusts Active

Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter

The government has begun a nationwide review and revival of Community Share Ownership Trusts (CSOTs) following revelations that only six out of 59 registered trusts remain operational, with the majority having collapsed or become inactive due to poor governance and lack of enforcement.

The low 10 percent functionality rate has raised concerns over the effectiveness of the model, which was designed to ensure that mining communities directly benefit from resources extracted in their areas.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu said the situation demanded urgent corrective action and a clear framework to restore the relevance of CSOTs.

“We cannot remain passive when the law clearly outlines the path to inclusive economic empowerment,” Ndlovu said

“Ongoing consultations will lead to a policy framework to be presented to Cabinet. The revival of CSOTs is critical to driving local industrialisation and community development.”

CSOTs were initially established to channel a share of mining proceeds into community projects such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and income-generating activities. However, most have failed to deliver on their mandate due to weak regulatory oversight, mismanagement of funds, and inconsistent compliance by mining companies.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube said communities must be placed at the centre of economic activity and benefit from the exploitation of their local resources.

“The revitalisation of CSOTs ties in with our national vision of heritage-based modernisation and industrialisation,” Ncube said.

“Guided by President Mnangagwa’s mantra, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo,’ this approach puts communities at the centre of economic transformation.”

The government has initiated stakeholder consultations involving provincial ministers, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, and private sector players. The outcome is expected to inform a new legislative and accountability framework to strengthen CSOT operations.

He said the revitalisation of the CSOTs is expected to unlock job opportunities, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and promote beneficiation of natural resources in mining areas such as Midlands, Matabeleland, and Manicaland.

The review forms part of broader efforts to ensure fair distribution of mineral wealth and address structural barriers to development in resource-rich communities.