The unions says it is extremely concerning that amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the mine has failed to pay workers their full salaries and benefits. The union's Kimberley Regional Secretary, Cornelius Manhe, says it is not fair that salaries of employees at this mine were cut by 33% and they were only paid an amount of R3 500. Manhe says it is disappointing that the company has seemingly left workers holding the short end of the stick, while the government has placed various benefits in place as relief grants. 

He says it is appalling that their members have not been paid yet but are expected to report for duty, without transport allowance.

"This is heartless and inhuman. Our members are not slaves. NUM members are not robots and they will not compromise their terms and conditions of employment. They deserve to be paid their full salaries and benefits," said Manhe.

Manhe tells OFM News the mine has also failed to meaningfully engage with NUM regarding the COVID-19 regulations. 

"They failed to put health and safety measures in place as per the regulations, what fuel our dissatisfaction more is their refusal to allow full-time health and safety representative to enter the mine, the only conclusion we can draw is because they know that they are not complying," added Manhe. 

He highlights that they have requested the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to intervene. 

The Kimberley Ekapa Mine is yet to respond to OFM News' inquiry.

OFM News