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IT has been two months since samples of an unusual stone believed to be gold was taken for testing.
People of KwaMachi and surrounding areas were convinced that they had found gold when they started digging in a quarry in June. The quarry was left open by a contractor who conducted road maintenance in the village.
Government officials, including KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Sihle Zikalala, visited the area while Department of Mineral Resources took samples for testing.
Speaking to the Fever on Wednesday, Umuziwabantu Local Municipality Mayor Dixie Nciki said people of Harding have been waiting for the outcomes of the samples.
“The municipality was informed that the matter is being handled by the office of the Minister of Mineral Resources and people want to know results,” she said. She added that municipal integrated development plans will change if results could prove gold.
“Once the report is finalised findings will be communicated,” said Department of Mineral Resources National Communication and Knowledge manager Ayanda Shezi.
The quarry has since been closed off with a barbed wire to stop people entering to dig for the as-yet unidentified stones.
