NUM+Womens+Conference,+Lindiwe+Hendricks+to+address

=NATIONAL UNION OF MINEWORKERS=


 * HEAD OFFICE** **PRESS RELEASE, February 16, 2006**


 * MINISTER LINDIWE HENDRICKS ADDRESSES NUM’S WOMEN CONFERENCE**

Tomorrow morning, February 17, the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lindiwe Hendricks, will address the NUM’s women conference held at the Heritage Conference Centre in Rosherville, near Johannesburg. The Minister, while at the conference, will also have a closed meeting with the national leadership of the union.

The conference, attended by over 500 women delegates from the mining, energy and construction sectors, opened today (February 16). It will officially close on Saturday, February 18.

In addressing conference the General Secretary of the NUM, Gwede Mantashe said:

“When we agreed to establish a women structure in our male-dominated union in 1998 we were not certain of the outcome. But this structure has since developed and has made an impact in various formations we are affiliated to, nationally and internationally. Some of the women are now leaders at some of our branches”.

Rose Mohale, the Chairperson of the Women Structure, in her opening remarks noted:

“As women in the NUM we have passed the stage of being told what to do. Since the inception of this structure, in spite of the challenges, we have stood firm and demonstrated we can add our voice to programmes of the organisation. This conference gives us another opportunity to develop a clear programme that will be presented to the May National Congress”

The conference was also addressed by Violet Sebone, the 2nd Vice President of COSATU, who congratulated the NUM for having a structure of this nature in contrast to many of the COSATU affiliates.

The delegates will continue over the coming two days - February 17 and 18 - where they will:


 * Discuss the Secretariat Report
 * Assess and analyse the challenges facing women in the mining, energy and construction sectors
 * Develop a plan of action
 * Elect their national leadership

Tomorrow, apart from the address by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, delegates will listen to speeches by Commissioner Themba Kgasi of the National Gender Commission, and the General Secretary of the ANC Women’s League.

27.11.377-2036 (direct) Fax: 0866097515 Cell: 0828045041**
 * Issued by**
 * Moferefere Lekorotsoana**
 * HEAD: PUBLICITY AND INFORMATION**
 * Tel: 27.11.377-2000 (reception)

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