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Muhanga District, Rwanda – August 2025 — The Governor of Rwanda’s Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi, has called on citizens to take active roles in their own development, emphasizing that real progress only happens when communities engage meaningfully in transforming their lives.
Governor Kayitesi made these remarks during a community visit to Nyarusange Sector in Muhanga District, where she expressed concern over the prevalence of illegal mining activities in Ngaru Cell, particularly involving local youth engaged in informal and unsafe mining—often referred to as abahebyi or abanyogisi.
Illegal Mining Costing Lives
Governor Kayitesi condemned the continued involvement in illegal mining, noting its fatal consequences and the misconceptions surrounding law enforcement efforts.
“When authorities intervene to stop these dangerous practices, it’s seen as harassment. But in reality, we’re saving lives. In recent months alone, six people have died from mining-related incidents in this area,” she said.
She reminded residents that no profit is worth a human life, stating:
“Your child’s life is irreplaceable. If you neglect their well-being, only to hear tomorrow that a mine collapsed on them, what will you have gained?”
What It Means to Put the Citizen First
Governor Kayitesi challenged the popular notion that putting citizens first means giving handouts without requiring community effort.
“Development is not about simply opening an office at the Cell level to offer services. It’s about security, wellbeing, and dignity—and this begins with individual responsibility,” she noted.
She emphasized that government support depends on citizen participation, urging people to stop waiting passively for help and instead work hard and contribute to their own development.
“Even in the Bible, Jesus performed miracles only for those who showed initiative. So, take your small plot, fertilize it, and plant quality seeds. That’s how transformation begins,” she added.
Idle Culture Criticized
The Governor also criticized a growing culture where men gather in local trading centers to gossip while others are working.
“You find someone sitting idle all day under the pretext of looking for information. What will you do with that information? Why not get up early and go to work?” she asked.
She warned that material comfort, such as buying clothing or paying health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), is not the full measure of empowerment.
“You bought a wrapper, and you paid for health insurance—that’s good, but not enough. What about long-term transformation? What about your children’s future?” she pressed.
Call to Action: Education, Health, and Unity
Governor Kayitesi urged families to invest in education and nutrition for their children, ensure they receive proper healthcare, and work together in unity to build a better future.
Residents of Nyarusange Sector pledged to heed the governor’s message by fighting illegal mining, working on time, and increasing their involvement in development programs.
