Swazi Observer

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MALOMA MINE COMMISSIONS E11M ABLUTION BLOCK

By KWANELE DHLADHLA | 2022-01-23

Maloma Colliery Limited means business in 2022 and beyond.
This declaration was made by Chairman of the Board Michelo Shakantu who was represented by Myzo Magagula during the commissioning of MCL’s state of the art brand-new ablution block worth over E11 million, marking the beginning of a journey towards turning the mine into a world class operation.

The ablution clock with ample space lockers for staff replaces one which was in a deplorable state to the extent of being a health hazard.

Shakantu said he was particularly pleased to be part of the important event because it marked the beginning of the positive transformation which had been eagerly anticipated by stakeholders and employees alike. During the unveiling ceremony convened at the mine premises on Friday, Shakantu confessed that the occasion was not only important to the mine management, but to employees and the community at large.

He explained that the new block would be used by the mine staff, as part of their commitment to ensuring employee welfare was valued and as assurance that their sanitation and hygiene remained a priority.

“Management found it important to begin the renewal of MCL infrastructure by focusing on the ablution block. When we took over the running of mine last year, board directors and shareholders pledged to upgrade the mine to world class standards. Like any journey it has to start somewhere and for the board and management the priority was in improving the working environment and conditions of our workers,” Shakantu said.

He hoped that the company’s over 600 employees would be inspired and excited to be at MCL as part of the exciting developments. On behalf of employees, Bongani Tsela thanked and congratulated directors, management, and all stakeholders for improving their working conditions. He said constructing the change house showed that Maloma cared about their dignity as workers.

“We believe this is only the beginning because the MLC management has proved that they are willing to spend money on projects that benefit the workers. We have waited for a long time to have such a decent building for workers and we know it will go a long way to motivate the workers,” Tsela said. He also acknowledged that the project also presented new employment opportunities during the construction phase.

“We foresee more similar projects that will start soon such as a laundry, surface change houses, offices, a canteen, sport and gym facilities to mention a few,” Tsela projected.
He promised that as workers they would take care of these facilities and use them properly.

“We are also very grateful to the Government and the Leaders of the country for the job opportunities that Maloma has brought. We are proud to have very skilled and experienced staff who can mine any mineral the kingdom,” added Tsela.

In its official website, it was explained that the current shareholding remained as per the dictates of Mines and Minerals Act of 2011 with, Chancellor House Holdings at 50 per cent, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini at 25 per cent and Tibiyo Taka Ngwane at 25 per cent.

It was pointed out that mine has a unique shareholding structure which demonstrates that public private partnerships could be managed successfully for the benefit of Swati nation. The colliery is located 25km west from the village of Nsoko in the Southern part of the kingdom and 8km to the South East of Maloma settlement.

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