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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 51686, member: 636"] Zimbabwe's government intensifies efforts to restore Community Share Ownership Trusts as mechanisms for ensuring local communities gain from regional economic activities. Authorities report that merely six among 59 registered trusts remain functional, representing a survival rate of just 10 percent. The remaining organizations have either become inactive or ceased operations entirely. These trusts originally served to advance community development by financing local infrastructure, educational facilities, healthcare services, and projects generating income. Poor management, inadequate supervision, and ambiguous implementation guidelines have undermined their effectiveness. Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu addressed participants during Thursday's consultative workshop on the Draft Implementation Framework for Community Share Ownership Trusts Revitalisation and Reserved Sector Operations in Gweru. He emphasized that trust revival forms part of the Second Republic's comprehensive rural industrialization strategy. The initiative seeks equitable distribution of mineral wealth while promoting sustainable local development approaches. Ndlovu stated that ongoing consultations will produce a policy position requiring Cabinet approval. Communities should drive industrialization through these vital development instruments. Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Owen Ncube highlighted the initiative's potential impact on established trusts such as Tongogara, Mberengwa, and Zvishavane. Major extractive sector investments in the Midlands present opportunities for new trust formation. Chief Ndanga recalled how the Tongogara trust previously funded road construction, borehole repairs, and educational facility development before operations ceased. Mining companies currently extract resources without contributing to community development or infrastructure maintenance. Traditional leaders express enthusiasm about trust restoration and resumed community benefit programs. [/QUOTE]

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