The Chronicle, June 14, 2014
by Daisy Jeremani, Gender Editor
“THE United Women Miners Association got a boost when they received $20,000 from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development to buy a stamp mill for their 32 claims in Esigodini. The Minister, Cde Oppah Muchinguri handed over the cheque to the group of women at an International Families Day commemorations held at Esigodini Cricket Ground, in Esigodini on Thursday.
She said this was part of the ministry’s drive to economically empower women, especially those in rural areas and expressed hope that the $20,000 will go a long way in alleviating their challenges.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event the president of United Women Miners Association, Mthandazo Muhau said they were going to use the money to buy a stamp mill for their claims at Novell mine.
The women had already bought a compressor, its hose and a jack hammer and approached the ministry to further fund them to acquire the equipment needed for excavations. Novell mine is situated along Nyankuni Range, in Esigodini.
The vice-president of the association, Sibongile Nyathi said they have a membership of 883 from across the country and these have formed groups that will benefit from the 32 claims. “We got the 32 claims under a lease agreement from the former the owner of the mine. Other members are mines owners,” she said.”
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