Robert Mukondiwa Honoured For ESG Leadership In Mining

Duration Gold public relations manager Robert Mukondiwa has been recognised for his contribution to sustainability and responsible business, receiving the Emerging Sustainability & ESG Leader Award from ESG Network Zimbabwe.

Mukondiwa received the accolade at an awards ceremony held at a Bulawayo hotel last week. Deputy Minister Raj Modi and ESG Network Zimbabwe executive director Willard Razawo presented the award.

The recognition follows Mukondiwa’s five years with Duration Gold, during which he has played a key role in shaping the company’s approach to mining communication, particularly around environmental, social and governance issues.

He has also been involved in initiatives focused on communities in Gwanda and other parts of Matabeleland South, with his work centred on making mining communication more people-focused and encouraging dialogue around the industry’s social impact.

In his acceptance speech, Mukondiwa said his achievements had been supported by the environment created by the organisation he works for.

“No individual shines in isolation. My ultimate success would not have been possible without belonging to a solid brand that gives people the room to grow, pursue excellence and imagine the impossible then gives them the confidence and freedom to make it reality,” he said.

Mukondiwa said companies in the mining sector needed to view ESG as an ongoing responsibility rather than simply a regulatory requirement or public relations exercise.

“The future of mining belongs to organisations that understand that their social licence is earned every day. Communication must build trust, ESG must create measurable value, and sustainability must become part of how a business thinks, not simply what it reports,” he said.

He was the only individual recipient among the corporate award winners, while the other individual honour was awarded posthumously to national hero Edward Raradza.

Mukondiwa paid tribute to Raradza, recalling their time working together in Muzarabani during his political mobilisation days.

“I worked with Cde Raradza in Muzarabani during my days of political mobilisation. He was inspirational, formidable and deeply human,” he said.

He added that Raradza had also known his late father, Pascal Mukondiwa, describing both men as important influences on his understanding of leadership and responsibility.

Mukondiwa said the award had increased his determination to contribute further to the mining sector.

“I regard this as a beginning. The responsibility now is to shine even greater and to prove that African mining can communicate, operate and lead at a standard that is genuinely world-class,” he said.