Juba, South Sudan — Margret has decided that South Sudan is not a place to raise children, but she is changing this for future generations. That’s why, 10 years ago, the mother of two joined the country’s 400 to 500 de-miners, digging up remnants of past and present wars — bombs, unexploded ordnances and landmines. She’s one of a growing number of women to take up the risky business, most of them mothers wanting to provide safety for their families. "It’s my way of contributing and making this country better," she says. "I sent my children to Uganda, but I want them to come back one day. It’s a sacrifice for me, but a gain for those returning when the war is over." Landmines have a long history in South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, which won independence from Sudan in 2011 after a long and violent liberation struggle. After just two years, a political squabble escalated into renewed civil war in late 2013, fracturing the new nation along ethnic lines. More than 4-million mine...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.