/ 23 May 2011

Aurora’s Pamodzi liquidators fired, says Solidarity

The Department of Justice on Monday fired Enver Motala and Gavin Gainsford as liquidators of Pamodzi Gold estate, according to trade union Solidarity.

The decision by the department was a possible turning point in the Pamodzi and Aurora saga, the union’s deputy general secretary, Gideon du Plessis, said in a statement.

The department’s spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

“The trade union is demanding that the current looters of the former Pamodzi mines in Springs and Orkney, Aurora Empowerment Systems, be fired as the managers of the mining asset,” Du Plessis said.

Liquidation application
This came after Solidarity served a liquidation application amounting to R3,1-million on Aurora last Friday to force the mining company to pay outstanding salaries or to close its doors.

Aurora has until May 31 to oppose the application and if the company does not oppose the action, the matter will be heard in the high court in Pretoria on June 7.

“Solidarity is pleased that Enver Motala, who regarded himself as the chief liquidator of the Pamodzi mines, was removed as liquidator by the Department of Justice this morning,” Du Plessis said.

The union is also expected to address the portfolio committee on mining resources in Cape Town on Friday regarding the crisis at Aurora mines in Grootvlei and Orkney. — Sapa