What is in Gaolathe's purse for the ailing mines?

Gaolathe will present the national budget on Monday against the backdrop of a global financial crisis which has resulted in unprecedented production cuts and massive retrenchments in the mining sector.BCL Mine, the backbone of the economy of this copper-nickel town has already announced a seven percent cut in its workforce.

In a snap survey, some residents said the minister should address the retrenchment and cut defence spending to channel more funds to development projects in order to create employment. Mine workers want the government to bail out the mines and in the meantime ensure that those already retrenched are absorbed in jobs elsewhere.Kagiso Goitsemang (36) wants to hear Gaolathe talk about rising unemployment due to job losses, particularly in the mining sector.