Mbeki wishes miners well
2007-10-05 08:27
Johannesburg - President Thabo Mbeki on Thursday expressed utmost satisfaction with the successful rescue of 3 200 miners who were trapped underground at Harmony Gold's Elandsrand Mine near Carletonville.
The president congratulated Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica - who, upon learning of the incident late on Wednesday night, sent a team of inspectors and went to the mine herself on Thursday morning to spend the day and evening there - the mine management, and the leadership of the National Union of Mineworkers for their collective effort in the rescue effort.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Mbeki said the collective effort demonstrated in the rescue effort was testimony of a true South African spirit.
"Furthermore, the President has asked the Minister to conduct an audit of all the mines to determine whether they meet health and safety standards as prescribed in law."
Mbeki wished all the miners a speedy recovery and hoped that the mine would re-open soon after all the necessary safety requirements had been satisfied.
- SAPA