Ministers Assigned to Assist Families of Trapped Lily Farm Miners

President Jacob Zuma has assigned three Ministers to provide support to the families of miners who are still trapped at Lily Farm in Barberton.

In a sign that hopes are fading of finding the trapped miners alive, the Presidency announced today that the President has assigned the Minister of Mineral Resources, Mosebenzi Zwane, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Susan Shabangu and the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini.

At the #UbunutAwards on Saturday night, the president said the three miners – Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Mazibuko and Solomon Nyerende – were working in a shipping container office, on Friday 5 February 2016, when the entrance of the mine collapsed, leading to the container falling into the ground.

President Zuma said: “The families are in deep pain and feel helpless in such an overwhelming situation. We assure the families that the whole nation is with them and shares the pain.”

The miners have been trapped underground now for nine days with no food or water. The last confirmed sign of life was at 1pm on Tuesday when an audio signal was heard.

The Ministers will work with the provincial government to provide support to the affected families.

President Zuma reiterates his call to the nation to keep the families in their thoughts and prayers as rescue workers continue the search. Last week the president said “let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers. We wish the rescue teams all the strength and wisdom possible as they execute their difficult task.”