30/06/2026
ZIMA AND FESTAC AFRICA SIGN HISTORIC MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AT RAINBOW HOTEL
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – 26 June 2026
The Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association (ZIMA) and FESTAC Africa marked a historic milestone on 26 June 2026 with the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a prestigious ceremony held at the Rainbow Hotel, Bulawayo.
The landmark agreement was officially signed by ZIMA President Cde Silingiwe Masuku and FESTAC Africa Chairman Eng. Yinka Abioye, establishing a strategic partnership dedicated to advancing indigenous mining, promoting African culture and heritage, fostering economic empowerment, and strengthening collaboration across the African continent.
The signing ceremony was formally witnessed by ZIMA Secretary General Cde Dadiso Brian Masev and FESTAC Representative Mr. Pardon Tapfumanei, whose presence affirmed the commitment of both organizations to implementing the shared vision outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.
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Distinguished Guests in Attendance
Hosted at the iconic Rainbow Hotel, the event brought together an impressive gathering of government officials, traditional leaders, political leaders, diplomats, liberation war veterans, business leaders, religious leaders, and cultural practitioners in celebration of a partnership that represents a new chapter in African cooperation and sustainable development.
Among the distinguished guests were:
- Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon. Raj Modi
- Guest of Honour – ZANU PF Secretary for Business Development Hon. L. Mashaba
- Chief Masuku Representative Sikhulile Nhlongani
- Senator Molly Mpofu
- Deputy Speaker Hon. Joseph Tshuma
- Bulawayo Provincial Vice Chairman Cde Victor Mpofu
- War Veterans National Chairman Cde Cephas Ncube
- ZANU PF Bulawayo Provincial Main Wing Secretary for Mines Cde Gordon Dube
- Bulawayo Minister of State Representative Mr. Chikomo
- Bishop Phiri
- Renowned traditional performers Amaqaqa and Khaya Arts
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Keynote Address by Cde Silingiwe Masuku
Delivering her keynote address on "Structural Empowerment of Indigenous Miners," Cde Silingiwe Masuku underscored the importance of empowering indigenous miners through organization, capacity building, strategic partnerships, and sustainable mining practices.
She reaffirmed ZIMA's commitment to ensuring that indigenous miners become significant contributors to Zimbabwe's economic growth while preserving the nation's mineral wealth for future generations.
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FESTAC Africa's Continental Vision
Speaking on "The Global Vision and the Significance of the MoU," Eng. Yinka Abioye outlined FESTAC Africa's vision of reconnecting Africa through culture, trade, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
He emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding is more than a partnership between two organizations—it is a continental platform for promoting:
- Investment
- Cultural diplomacy
- Youth and women empowerment
- Tourism
- Inclusive economic development across Africa
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Guest of Honour's Call for Collective Empowerment
A major highlight of the ceremony was the address by the Guest of Honour, Hon. L. Mashaba, who challenged indigenous miners to embrace collective organization as a pathway to greater economic empowerment.
He encouraged miners to form groups of five to qualify for Gold Buying and Selling Certificates, explaining that this model would strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements while expanding access to formal gold markets.
Hon. Mashaba emphasized that organized groups would be better positioned to:
- Benefit from government support programmes
- Attract investment
- Improve accountability
- Increase participation in Zimbabwe's gold value chain
He urged miners across the country to recognize the significance of this initiative, describing it as a transformative opportunity to formalize operations, enhance productivity, create sustainable livelihoods, and contribute more effectively to national economic development.
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Messages from Other Distinguished Leaders
The ceremony also featured powerful contributions from other distinguished leaders.
Chief Masuku Representative Sikhulile Nhlongani spoke on African Culture and Heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving African traditions while embracing development.
Cde Gordon Dube addressed delegates on Zimbabwe's Mineral Wealth, emphasizing responsible resource utilization for national prosperity.
War Veterans National Chairman Cde Cephas Ncube reflected on Liberation Legacy and Economic Sovereignty, reminding participants that political independence must be matched by economic empowerment.
ZANU PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda delivered remarks on Regional Readiness and Cultural Identity, encouraging greater unity and collaboration in advancing Africa's shared aspirations.
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Celebrating African Unity
The ceremony was a vibrant celebration of African excellence, blending business, culture, and heritage through inspiring speeches, prayers led by Bishop Phiri, and captivating performances by Amaqaqa and Khaya Arts, creating an atmosphere that reflected the richness, diversity, and unity of the African continent.
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The Road Ahead
The ZIMA–FESTAC Africa partnership is expected to facilitate collaborative programmes in:
- Indigenous mining development
- Cultural exchange
- Tourism promotion
- Youth and women empowerment
- Investment promotion
- Skills development
- Technology transfer
- International cooperation
These initiatives are expected to create lasting social and economic benefits for Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole.
The successful signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at Rainbow Hotel, Bulawayo, will be remembered as a landmark occasion that united government, traditional leadership, business, culture, and community leaders behind one common vision—to build a prosperous, united, and self-reliant Africa where indigenous resources, culture, innovation, and people become the driving force of sustainable development.
Pfennig Witenagemot Charles
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