{"id":1248,"date":"2025-11-12T05:14:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T05:14:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/?p=1248"},"modified":"2025-11-12T05:22:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T05:22:02","slug":"home-is-best-how-zimbabwes-empowerment-policies-created-a-new-millionaire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/?p=1248","title":{"rendered":"Home is best: How Zimbabwe\u2019s empowerment policies created a new millionaire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA<\/em>
JOHANNESBURG \u2013 BORN and raised in the mining heartland of Gwanda, Matabeleland South, Witness Dube has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Zimbabwe\u2019s inspiring young millionaires \u2014 a shining example of how local empowerment programmes and patriotic commitment can turn potential into prosperity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now based in Bulawayo, Dube credits his success to Zimbabwe\u2019s youth empowerment and indigenisation initiatives, which have given local entrepreneurs unprecedented access to mining claims and business opportunities that were once out of reach for ordinary citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHome called me back,\u201d Dube said in an exclusive interview with Matabele Today<\/a><\/em>. \u201cI followed my passion for mining and realised that home is best. I am proud to say I am Zimbabwean \u2014 it is a beautiful country, and I love it deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After studying at Baines primary school and Falcon College in Bulawayo, Dube pursued further education and international experience in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he worked with Emirates Airlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During his time abroad, he was exposed to the fast-paced world of global gold trading \u2014 especially in Dubai, now one of the world\u2019s leading gold markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the benefit of international experience and business acumen, Dube decided to return home to invest in Zimbabwe\u2019s thriving mining sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI learned valuable lessons in Dubai, where gold is traded daily in massive quantities. I knew I could bring that knowledge home to create something meaningful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mining, Dube added, runs in the family. His late father \u2014 Baron Dube \u2014 once operated small-scale gold mines in Filabusi, sparking his lifelong passion for the trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStarting the business was straightforward,\u201d Dube explained. \u201cI first obtained a prospecting licence from the Ministry of Mines, and with help from a qualified pegger, we identified our claim. The process was smooth and transparent \u2014 proof that Zimbabwe supports entrepreneurs who follow the right channels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zimbabwe\u2019s approach to black economic empowerment (BEE) stands in contrast to neighbouring South Africa, where progress has been slower and concentrated among a small elite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Zimbabwe, the government\u2019s indigenisation and empowerment framework has opened access to land, mining rights, and business ownership for thousands of black citizens, especially in rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dube believes these opportunities are helping transform lives and communities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are many business opportunities in Zimbabwe,\u201d he said. \u201cOur banking sector is improving, our mineral wealth is vast, and the environment encourages citizens to build and own their businesses. Those of us in the diaspora should seriously consider investing back home \u2014 the returns are strong, and the impact is lasting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Globally, gold prices have surged in recent years, reaching around US$2,400 per ounce in 2025, one of the highest levels in recorded history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For miners like Dube, this has meant significant profits even from lower-grade ores, which were once considered unviable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe mining sector is extremely lucrative right now,\u201d Dube noted. \u201cLow-grade ores are now profitable, and high-grade ores are even more rewarding. Equipment and labour are readily available \u2014 which not only benefits miners but also creates employment and stability in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zimbabwe\u2019s gold sector remains one of the pillars of the economy, contributing billions in export revenue and supporting thousands of artisanal and small-scale miners across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With improved regulations, local beneficiation, and responsible mining practices, the industry continues to play a central role in driving national economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond personal wealth, Dube is deeply committed to community development. His company supports local schools, churches, and small supermarkets in Matabeleland South \u2014 helping reduce travel distances for essential services and creating a sense of local empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBusiness is not just about profit,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s about giving back. When the community prospers, the business prospers too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dube also urged fellow Zimbabweans to adopt a more patriotic and positive attitude toward their homeland, arguing that persistent negativity in public discourse discourages investment and undermines the country\u2019s image abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe must stop putting our country down,\u201d he said passionately. \u201cWe should be proud of our achievements and recognise the progress we\u2019ve made. Zimbabwe is rich in natural and human resources \u2014 all we need is to believe in ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, Dube is confident that Zimbabwe\u2019s economy is on the path to recovery and sustainable growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWithin the next five years, I believe Zimbabwe will be far more advanced,\u201d he predicted. \u201cOur economy is becoming more structured, and the foundations for long-term success are already being built. This is the right time to come home and invest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, Dube acknowledges that challenges remain \u2014 particularly in training and safety standards within the mining sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs employers, we lose production time when we have to train workers ourselves,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe need more technical and vocational training centres to prepare a skilled workforce. That\u2019s how we\u2019ll achieve efficiency and safety.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the dusty fields of Gwanda to the polished corridors of Dubai and back again, Witness Dube\u2019s story captures the spirit of Zimbabwe\u2019s new generation of black entrepreneurs: educated, ambitious, and determined to build prosperity from the ground up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His journey is proof that, in a country blessed with abundant natural wealth and a resilient people, patriotism and opportunity can turn gold dreams into golden realities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by SAVIOUS KWINIKAJOHANNESBURG \u2013 BORN and raised in the mining heartland of Gwanda, Matabeleland South, Witness Dube has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Zimbabwe\u2019s inspiring young millionaires \u2014 a shining example of how local empowerment programmes and patriotic commitment can turn potential into prosperity. Now based in Bulawayo, Dube credits his success […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1249,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[99,5,97,94],"tags":[194,195],"class_list":["post-1248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-executives","category-featured","category-mining-mining","category-mining","tag-gwanda-and-bulawayos-gold-mining-mogul","tag-witness-dube"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube-150x150.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube-280x300.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube.jpg","large":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube.jpg","post-thumbnail":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube.jpg"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"administrator","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a3d5ebfe727f13fb325bd400aaaf5e789d3e2e20898883d9ae8e3d3d42d58cef?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":"0","magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"by SAVIOUS KWINIKAJOHANNESBURG \u2013 BORN and raised in the mining heartland of Gwanda, Matabeleland South, Witness Dube has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Zimbabwe\u2019s inspiring young millionaires \u2014 a shining example of how local empowerment programmes and patriotic commitment can turn potential into prosperity. Now based in Bulawayo, Dube credits his success […]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["Executives","Featured","Mining","Mining"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":223,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":5,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube.jpg",600,644,false],"medium":["https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube-280x300.jpg",280,300,true],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Witness-Dube-150x150.jpg",150,150,true]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"administrator","author_link":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/?author=2"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a3d5ebfe727f13fb325bd400aaaf5e789d3e2e20898883d9ae8e3d3d42d58cef?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"Executives<\/a> Featured<\/a> Mining<\/a> Mining<\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1248"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1252,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1248\/revisions\/1252"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/matabeletoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}