MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-Tebekwe Mine manager, Ambassador Smelly Dube, has urged mining companies to embrace faith-based programmes, arguing that spiritual guidance can restore discipline and curb drug and substance abuse among workers.
Dube credited a church driven intervention at Tebekwe Mine for reducing drug abuse, workplace injuries and crime, as management moves to institutionalize religious programmes within its operations.
She was speaking during a Sunday service at the mine, days after hundreds of employees were baptized in what officials described as one of the largest faith gatherings ever held at the site.
“Mining communities are often associated with drug and substance abuse as well as criminal activities, but this programme has brought a different trajectory,” Dube said.
“This church initiative has helped build harmony within the workplace and surrounding communities, while steering young people away from drugs.”
The initiative, launched five years ago, blends regular worship sessions with counselling and rehabilitation support for workers battling addiction.
Company officials say it has already triggered “visible behavioural change” among employees.
Dube said the model could be replicated across the mining sector to improve safety and productivity.
“As a company, we are seeing a healthier working environment. Workers are more focused, disciplined and easier to coordinate because they are sober,” she said.
“Before this, some employees were abusing substances such as zvimbwa, but through consistent counselling and church engagement, many have reformed.”
Workers who have embraced the programme say it has transformed their lives beyond the workplace.
Christopher Madhibha, a young miner baptized last week, said faith had helped him regain financial control and rebuild family relations.
“I used to spend my salary recklessly without planning for the future. Now I sit down with my wife and we budget together,” he said.
The initiative has also drawn in surrounding communities, with residents attending services held within the mining premises, a development credited with strengthening social cohesion.
Livonia Gwerekwere, a local resident, said the programme had fostered a sense of belonging while helping to curb crime.
“This has brought the community closer and given young people a positive path,” she added.
Retired soldier and Tebekwe Mine employee David Mushangwe said the programme helped him overcome a long standing struggle with substance abuse.
“I was once involved in drugs during my time in the army and it affected my life badly,” he said.
“Through encouragement and these church programmes, I have changed and found a new direction.”
Zimbabwe’s mining sector has long grappled with drug abuse and violent crime, particularly in gold-rich areas where illegal syndicates and machete gangs have thrived.
For Tebekwe Mine, the spiritual approach is already yielding results, not only in safer operations, but in transforming lives.
