Editor

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Welcome new economic boost The announcement that Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) will be be investing more than one billion rand to re-mine its tailings stockpiles using new technology (see story on front page), serves as another welcome economic boost to the region. The value of an investment of this magnitude is obvious, but equally important is the fact that the mine's lifespan will be extended by another five years beyond 2010. Since its establishment in the area RBM's presence has not only been highly beneficial economically, but also of prime significance relating to the area's communities. Believing as it does in a close involvement with the community from which it draws the majority of its employees, RBM has set a world example in making sure that many needs of that community are met. Indeed, when it started becoming clear that the company's mining lease was nearing its inevitable end, the reality raised some concerns. Would the departure of RBM mean an end to many beneficial partnerships the company had with the local authorities, with educational institutions, with health initiatives, job security and with a host of other positive developments? The announcement means that, in the words of RBM Managing Director Cameron McRae, '...it will contribute to the economics of the greater KZN region by providing further employment and local business development opportunities during the construction period, as well as into the future.' In the past RBM contributed magnificently to Zululand's phenomenal progress and clearly it will now continue to do so for some time longer. That is to be welcomed. N2 gevaarsone Die N2-hoofweg is die hoofverbindingsaar tussen die verre Kaap en Mosabiek in die noorde. Dit loop uit die aard van die saak dwarsdeur Zoeloeland. Die verkeersvloei is druk en mens sou verwag dat dit 'n veilige roete sal wees. In der waarheid is die sowat 200 kilometers van die N2 wat deur Zoeloeland loop egter vir jare reeds 'n gunsteling roofplek vir motor-kapers, gewapende rowers wat transito-kontantvoertuie voorlê, toeriste beroof en motors onder die klippe steek. Skaars 'n week gaan verby of hierdie koerant maak melding van die een of ander misdaad wat op die N2 gepleeg word. Die jongste voorvalle is tipies. In die een instansie is 'n Coin-veiligheidsvoertuig voorgelê en van sowat R2-miljoen beroof terwyl die bestuurder van die voertuig en sy veiligheidswagte gedreig is dat hulle in die voertuig lewend verbrand sou word as sou hulle hul teensit. Brandstof is om die voertuig uitgegiet en vuurhoutjies is deur die rowers reggehou. 'n Ander geval is net so skrikwekkend. 'n Teler van tropiese vis het sy besending van 50 kiste per bakkie na Durban laat vervoer. Op die N2 naby Mandini het 'n voertuig wat deur 'n persoon in SA Polisiediens-uniform geklee was die bestuurder gemaan om stil te hou en toe hy hieroor twyfel, het die insittendes van die tweede voertuig wapens uitgepluk en hom gedreig. Hy is van die bakkie en sy vrag beroof. Dit gaan die verstand te bowe dat sulke aanvalle helder oordag gepleeg word deur misdadigers wat geen vrees vir vergelding toon nie en doen wat hulle wil. Die publiek moet op hulle hoede wees - vir wat dit werd is.