Comments on the proposed Greenstone Quarry, Malolotja Nature Reserve, Swaziland by Michael Lee EnterprisesMalolotja Mining | Wardens Comments | Press stories | Mist Belt Forest Threatened | MLE Comments | SNTC Comments The following was provided to ECS from MLE and is included in this section to provide the proponents point-of-view of the project. UP DATE The disputed green chert deposits are currently rolling into the streambed and at least 2000 tonnes are already down under. The Geological Survey and Mines Department carried out several field exploration activities for potential sources of dimension stone products such as tombstones. The annual performance report for the year 2000/2001 of the ministry of natural resources and energy stated that the department was also instructed to assess the quantity of loose green chert at the Malolotja Green Chert Deposit. The green chert deposit was found to occur along the Mgwayiza cliff for a distance of about 1 000m. Meanwhile the Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC) maintains that the boundary of the Malolotja Game Reserve incorporates Farm 1/357 up to the end of Farm 815 north of the Komati River. Chief Executive Officer Sinaye Mamba says the boundaries of the Game Reserve are reflected in a map with the Surveyor General and that the fence was erected after exhaustive consultations. He added that there are a number of farms within the reserve that are privately owned. He said some of the farms outside the reserve are still being sought to by the SNTC. The Farm 815 is the property of HVL Asbestos (Swaziland) Ltd. This is proven beyond reasonable doubt from a copy of the title deed for farm 815 showing that the bona fide owners of the property is undisputedly HVL Asbestos (Swaziland) Ltd. The information given to the Surveyor General is of no real foundations. The actual procedures of proclaiming a Nature Reserve is legislated under the National Trust Commission Act, 1973 and as amended (Kings Order-in-Council No.22 of 1973). We quote from Section 12 of the Act as follows:
Therefore the SNTC cannot legally occupy such an area without prior consent of the Ngwenyama and public knowledge (Government Gazette). "Farm 1/357 was bought by Tibiyo Taka Ngwane as part of Malolotja and we have correspondence to this effect. Even if this farm is not yet proclaimed there were completed processes that led the Surveyor General to make the present map and the subsequent enactment of the fence" Mamba said. He gave the following list of farms that comprise Malolotja Game Reserve: 815 (northern tip of the reserve), 780 (privately owned), 1/357, R/LC23P, 928, 1109, Remainder of Farm 5, F5, F1140, R/210, 4/1209, 1007, 3/1007, 4/1007, R/5/007, 1/987, R/LC25P, 1/958, 2/958, 3/958, 4/958, 6/958, 5/958 and F/5. He says he prefers not to be brought into political polemics about these boundaries because the reserve was established under the National Trust Commission Act (amended K.-I-C 22/1973) and the boundaries duly established. He said all those concerned could have raised their concerns then. The title deed of Farm portion 1/357 indicates clearly that the Deed of Transfer No.183/1977 from Lonrho Swaziland Limited to THE INGWENYAMA IN TRUST FOR THE SWAZI NATION. This proves beyond reasonable doubt that the SNTC is illegally occupying the area Farm portion 1/357 and is in direct contravention with the Laws of Swaziland (The National Trust Commission (Amendment) Order, 1973 (K.O.I.C No.22 of 1973)). On another note a source within the ministry of tourism and environmental affairs said the matter also attracted Prince Bhekimpi who was merely interested in his subjects securing employment without having to look into the long-term implications of the exploration of such a mineral in the game reserve. He said the Chinese wanted to quarry the chert and process it outside the country and this made it against national interests. The rangers at the reserve have since been given instructions not to allow anyone into the area. There are reports of sporadic mining by individuals who extract the stone on a small scale but the rangers are keeping watch. His Majesty the King of Swaziland, and the various Departments of the Swaziland Government have been seeking foreign investments into the country to create employment opportunities for the upliftment of the Swazi Economy. The Green Chert Quarry is such an investment scheme procured by the Swaziland Government and it is currently at a stand still due to the illegal occupancy by the SNTC in the area and they are supporting sporadic mining by unknown individuals who are illegally extracting the stone on a small scale with the rangers on the hot look out. Suggestions or comments. This page was last updated on 28 October 2001
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