Over 2,000 locals are employed at Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) in Manhize, a Cabinet minister has revealed.
During a media tour to update journalists on developments at the plant, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said that most of the youth from Nyika Vanhu Ward have secured jobs at the integrated steel works. Said Muswere:
“At present, Disco employs 2 000 skilled and unskilled workers, with locals being prioritised. At full operational capacity, the project is expected to create up to 25 000 direct jobs and 150 000 indirect jobs, making it one of the largest industrial ventures in the country.
“The relocation of families within this geographic area has been done extremely well, with the building of modern houses and power units within the particular ward.”
He said that the plant is expected to reduce Zimbabwe’s annual US$1 billion steel import bill. Muswere added that Disco’s ability to produce high-quality steel locally is helping to cut down on imports.
Disco project director Wilfred Motsi explained that an US$800 million investment would be used to fund a new blast furnace, rolling mills, and centering plants, but stressed that the market must be able to absorb the increased output before full implementation. He said:
“Disco has been granted special economic zone status, which is expected to further boost investment, industrialisation and job creation.
“The expansion aligns with Tsingshan’s broader African strategy, leveraging on Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth (ferrochrome, lithium and coal) to build a vertically integrated supply chain.”
