EKAPA Minerals workers in Kimberley have escalated their demands, gathering outside the Premier’s Office and warning that they will bring the city to a standstill if their unpaid salaries are not addressed. The workers, who have not received their February wages, are now pushing for immediate action, with some warning that they may close the city unless their concerns are resolved.

Financial Crisis and Liquidation

The crisis has intensified after Ekapa Minerals announced this week that it has applied for liquidation, citing that it is no longer financially viable. This development comes amid a series of challenges, including a recent mudslide at the Du Toitspan Joint Shaft Mine, where five miners contracted by UMM are still trapped 890 metres underground.

The company’s announcement follows months of financial strain, including reported salary deductions of 10 percent from workers’ pay over the past two years. Workers were led to believe these funds were being held in their bank accounts for potential emergencies, but this has not materialized.

Workers’ Demands and Protests

During a protest outside the Premier’s Office, workers stated that their attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue with the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) and Ekapa management had failed. They said they were left empty-handed after these meetings and now feel compelled to act.

‘The time for talking is over; it is time for action,’ one worker said. ‘All we want is our money. They are going to close the mine, so we will close down Kimberley. We aren’t threatening violence or fighting, but do not provoke us with rubber bullets. We want the premier to address us.’

Workers also expressed frustration with the lack of communication from officials. One worker noted that there was no need for in-person meetings, as ‘there is something called a cellphone, and it only requires one button to send an email.’

Another worker described the situation as ‘very disappointing,’ adding that it was ‘rather than surprising’ to hear such responses from high-ranking officials. ‘Over the past two years, the company has been deducting 10 percent of our salaries. It was understood that these deductions were being deposited into our bank accounts. Surely the bank should be able to assist with emergency funds,’ the worker said.

Government Response and Next Steps

Andrew Makape, the labour relations officer at the Office of the Premier, assured workers that he would relay their list of demands to the appropriate authorities. However, the workers are pressing for immediate action, with some expressing concern that the Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, was reportedly in the Eastern Cape when they marched to his office on Friday.

The workers have also voiced their expectation that the Premier will address their concerns directly, rather than relying on intermediaries. They have not ruled out further demonstrations unless their demands are met.

Ekapa Minerals’ application for liquidation is now under review, and the company’s future remains uncertain. If the liquidation is approved, it could lead to further job losses and economic instability in the region, particularly in Kimberley, which is heavily reliant on the mining sector.

The situation has drawn attention from local and national officials, with some urging for swift resolution to prevent further escalation. The outcome of the Premier’s response and the company’s financial status will determine the next steps for both the workers and the city.