Text of report by South African newspaper Sowetan on 26 May [Report by Don Makatile: "Honouring the First Woman Mining Boss"] It is not easy to speak to Bridgette Radebe. She's methodical. Almost all work and no play. Prim and proper.

More than 2,000 trapped gold miners were rescued in a dramatic all-night operation, and efforts gathered speed Thursday to bring hundreds more to the surface.

More than 1,700 trapped gold miners were rescued during a dramatic all-night operation and efforts gathered speed Thursday to bring hundreds more terrified and exhausted workers to the surface.