by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
Editor-In-Chief
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – BORN and raised in the mining heartland of Gwanda, Matabeleland South, Witness Dube has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Zimbabwe’s inspiring young millionaires — a shining example of how local empowerment programmes and patriotic commitment can turn potential into prosperity.
Now based in Bulawayo, Dube credits his success to Zimbabwe’s 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.
“Home called me back,” Dube said in an exclusive interview with Matabele Today. “I followed my passion for mining and realised that home is best. I am proud to say I am Zimbabwean — it is a beautiful country, and I love it deeply.”
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.
During his time abroad, he was exposed to the fast-paced world of global gold trading — especially in Dubai, now one of the world’s leading gold markets.
With the benefit of international experience and business acumen, Dube decided to return home to invest in Zimbabwe’s thriving mining sector.
“I 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,” he said.
Mining, Dube added, runs in the family. His late father — Baron Dube — once operated small-scale gold mines in Filabusi, sparking his lifelong passion for the trade.
“Starting the business was straightforward,” Dube explained. “I 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 — proof that Zimbabwe supports entrepreneurs who follow the right channels.”
Zimbabwe’s approach to black economic empowerment (BEE) stands in contrast to neighbouring South Africa, where progress has been slower and concentrated among a small elite.
In Zimbabwe, the government’s indigenisation and empowerment framework has opened access to land, mining rights, and business ownership for thousands of black citizens, especially in rural areas.
Dube believes these opportunities are helping transform lives and communities:
“There are many business opportunities in Zimbabwe,” he said. “Our 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 — the returns are strong, and the impact is lasting.”
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.
For miners like Dube, this has meant significant profits even from lower-grade ores, which were once considered unviable.
“The mining sector is extremely lucrative right now,” Dube noted. “Low-grade ores are now profitable, and high-grade ores are even more rewarding. Equipment and labour are readily available — which not only benefits miners but also creates employment and stability in our communities.”
Zimbabwe’s 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.
With improved regulations, local beneficiation, and responsible mining practices, the industry continues to play a central role in driving national economic growth.
Beyond personal wealth, Dube is deeply committed to community development. His company supports local schools, churches, and small supermarkets in Matabeleland South — helping reduce travel distances for essential services and creating a sense of local empowerment.
“Business is not just about profit,” he said. “It’s about giving back. When the community prospers, the business prospers too.”
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’s image abroad.
“We must stop putting our country down,” he said passionately. “We should be proud of our achievements and recognise the progress we’ve made. Zimbabwe is rich in natural and human resources — all we need is to believe in ourselves.”
Looking ahead, Dube is confident that Zimbabwe’s economy is on the path to recovery and sustainable growth.
“Within the next five years, I believe Zimbabwe will be far more advanced,” he predicted. “Our 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.”
Still, Dube acknowledges that challenges remain — particularly in training and safety standards within the mining sector.
“As employers, we lose production time when we have to train workers ourselves,” he explained. “We need more technical and vocational training centres to prepare a skilled workforce. That’s how we’ll achieve efficiency and safety.”
From the dusty fields of Gwanda to the polished corridors of Dubai and back again, Witness Dube’s story captures the spirit of Zimbabwe’s new generation of black entrepreneurs: educated, ambitious, and determined to build prosperity from the ground up.
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.
– CAJ News