KIMBERLEY – Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has made a second visit to the disaster-stricken Ekapa Mine, firmly stating that the immediate priority remains recovering five bodies from underground rather than discussing the mine’s financial future amid a voluntary liquidation application.
The rescue operation has reached a pivotal stage after water was successfully pumped from the affected area. Teams are now working to clear stones and mud. The disaster occurred on 17 February following an early-morning mud rush that trapped five contract workers.
Minister Mantashe expressed hope on Friday 27 February that search teams would reach the first body by tomorrow, though he noted this remained an estimate.
“The priority is to take those bodies out from underground. Anything else is a disaster. You don’t talk liquidation in the middle of a disaster.”
– Gwede Mantashe
Whilst mine management has indicated it is applying for liquidation, the minister insisted such processes be delayed until the recovery mission is complete. Addressing the site’s long-term viability, Mantashe noted that diamonds remain in the mine and suggested a “lean and mean” management structure is necessary for marginal operations to survive.
He clarified that the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources acts as regulator, not financial backer, and will not provide direct financial support to the mine.
“A mine must employ top-class managers to run operations appropriately,” he added.
Discussions to continue
Mantashe also addressed concerns regarding unpaid February salaries and potential job losses for more than 1 000 workers. He placed responsibility for these issues squarely on the unions, specifically the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Uasa, urging them to maintain regular communication with management rather than delegating their duties to the state.
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Regarding displaced workers, Mantashe noted that retrenchment would be handled through various interventions as situations arise. Other mines may recruit affected staff as needed, whilst a new owner could potentially take over the mine to preserve jobs.
Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Venus Blennies joined the minister, highlighting that mining contributes approximately 17% to the province’s GDP. Whilst the provincial government lacks a “special budget” for such crises, it is working with the Mineral Council to explore absorbing affected workers into other private sector operations.
Blennies also noted that Kimberley is transitioning into a “post-mining town” with ongoing efforts to diversify the local economy through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and local municipalities.
Discussions between union leaders and mine management are scheduled to begin at 14:00 today.
On Friday, union members gathered outside the mine to air their frustrations once again. They plan to march to the premier’s office next week, demanding intervention to ensure the mine pays February salaries.
Union representatives have stated that if their demands are not met, they will “fight next week”.
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