Ekapa mine accused of using liquidation to evade responsibility

Ekapa Mine in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

Ekapa Minerals Mine in Kimberley has been placed under provisional liquidation until the 17th of March, whilst legal proceedings continue at the Northern Cape High Court.

[WATCH] Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe visiting Ekapa Mine where five miners are still trapped after a mud rush incident. Over 1 000 miners have lost their jobs and have not been paid their February salaries.#sabcnews #UpdateAtNoon pic.twitter.com/pZMWwezKfN

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) February 27, 2026

However, a family representative who requested to remain anonymous alleges that applying for liquidation is a way for the mine to escape accountability.

“Also, there has been no support from Ekapa and all information updates and support that we have been receiving as families has been from the contractors and the teams working underground. I feel being placed under provisional liquidation is an easy way out for the mine. They don’t want to take responsibility for these families and are causing the frustration for the rest of the mineworkers because they will not be getting their salaries, it’s not fair.”

WATCH | A former Ekapa mine worker has exclusively told SABC News how in the hours following the devastating mud rush that trapped five men, another one occurred while they were still trying to rescue the men. Electrical engineer Hannes Burger now feels betrayed by Ekapa… pic.twitter.com/hyWLjXKwxH

— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 1, 2026