LIMPOPO – The founder of a mining project at Thomo village, Mzamani Mdaka, says his mining initiative, called Giyani Gold Mine, could bring major economic benefits to Giyani if it continues to grow and receives full support from authorities and local communities.

A mining vision built from scratch

Mdaka, who has over 40 years of mining experience, said the project had been built from scratch through personal sacrifice and community commitment.

“We started at the beginning. We did our consultations and engaged with the municipality around 2015,” he said. “From there, I started the technical work on the ground,” he continued, adding that he has a mining permit to wash gold.

Mdaka was briefing Giyani Mayor Thandi Zitha and her delegation during her brief visit to the mine while she was on her way to a municipal event in Mavalani village recently. The site currently employs 14 permanent workers, with the possibility of expanding if operations stabilise.

He has paid for most of the infrastructure himself, including the electricity connection. “As you might have seen, there are electrical poles along the road on your way here.

“We have just connected electricity ourselves. From Mninginisi Corner up to here is about 4km, and this was financed by me using other projects that I have. This project touches my heart. I have the capacity to do it since I studied mining engineering,” he said, adding that several investors from the mining sector have joined him because ‘they trust this project’.

Potential for job creation and local investment

Mdaka says the mine’s continuous operations could translate into steady economic activity for Giyani, especially through planned community investments.

“We have two projects that we plan to invest in: education and road infrastructure,” he explains. “There’s a road that we must maintain for a period of five years, and we have set aside a budget of R1.5 million for that.”

He says the community has already felt their presence through earlier contributions, including wheelchairs donated to disabled residents under the Shiviti Traditional Council. “Even during Covid-19, we were helpful,” he added.

He also highlighted the historical mining background of the area, explaining that they were not exploring a new mine but continuing work that had already been started.

“Several companies, including Anglo American, mined here, and we have mining maps drafted in 1955 that we’re continuing with,” he said.

Call for greater support

If supported, Mdaka says the project could create jobs, strengthen local businesses, improve infrastructure, and ultimately inject new economic activity into Giyani.

The mayor, on the other hand, said they would like to know more about the mining project.

“Unfortunately, today we don’t have enough time to understand everything. You will have to sit down with us and tell us more about this mining project,” she said.