Manicaland miners face a mandatory payment requirement of $3,000 each to fund Zanu PF's 22nd National People's Conference. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Misheck Mugadza issued the directive on Sept. 28, 2025. The minister set an Oct. 2 deadline for compliance. The conference will take place in Mutare from Oct. 13 to 18.
Small-scale miners expressed outrage over the demand, describing it as extortion. One miner told ZimLive that operators already struggle with high costs, electricity shortages, and poor mineral prices. Critics argue the directive demonstrates how government offices advance party business. Observers note the decision blurs the boundary between state institutions and political party structures.
Small-scale miners expressed outrage over the demand, describing it as extortion. One miner told ZimLive that operators already struggle with high costs, electricity shortages, and poor mineral prices. Critics argue the directive demonstrates how government offices advance party business. Observers note the decision blurs the boundary between state institutions and political party structures.
