By Zweli Martin Dlamini

NGWENYA: Victor Ndlovu, the Managing Director of Mwelase Mining, previously operating the Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine has confirmed being ‘kicked’ out of the business.

Responding to this Swaziland News on Friday when asked to clarify when will the outstanding salaries for workers be paid, the Managing Director said, a dispute erupted between him and his business partner and, the Mines and Minerals Board decided to side with the other Director.

“But we are engaging with my business partner, he will pay me the value of my shares and then next month, I will use part of the money to pay the workers. Please tell them to be patient with me, I will pay them and will let you know,” he said.

Operations within the Ngwenya Mine were halted after the Mines and Minerals Board decided to frustrate Ndlovu, siding with the other Director.

Reached for comments by this publication earlier when asked to respond to the Mwelase Mining Managing Director’s accusations, Dr. Noah Nhleko, the Commissioner of Mines clarified that “the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has nothing to do with the halting of operations within the Ngwenya Mine” but, there’s an internal dispute within the mining company that ended-up in court.

The Commissioner of Mines further clarified that, the Ministry of Natural Resources was willing and prepared to renew the expired export permit but, there’s a court judgement directing all Directors of the mining company to apply for the renewal after a company resolution and therefore, the Ministry will wait for an application for renewal with the company resolution attached as part of the application documents.

“I believe he was party to this matter where judgement was passed that all decisions concerning management and business affairs should be made jointly and be written. Otherwise the export permit expired and for its renewal, a written document regarding that involving his partner would be welcome. Further, as far as I am aware the company is involved in litigation of some sort,” said the Commissioner of Mines.