A FORMER Gupta-owned coal mine, Optimum, will fully resume operations next month, bringing hope to the community of Hendrina in Mpumalanga.
The mine was placed under business rescue in 2018 after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) requested to forfeit the property to recoup the money believed to be proceeds of corruption.
At least 18 000 employees, including contractors, were left with no jobs when the mine shut down.
The North Gauteng High Court ruled in February 2024 that Liberty Coal must pay R461,7 million for property under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act to continue operations.
In addition, an amount of R100 million will be paid upfront, and the remaining balance will be paid off over two years.
The Optimum Coal Mine business rescue plan, the mine’s business, assets, and compromised liabilities will be transferred from Organisational Change Management, the former Gupta-owned company, to Liberty Coal, cutting all remaining links with the Guptas.
Liberty Coal will become responsible for repaying outstanding creditors and recapitalising the mine.
Former employee Bongani Nkosi told Daily Sun that he was excited that the mine would begin its operations soon.
He said life has not been easy without a job.
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Bongani said some of his colleagues have since died due to depression as they couldn't cope.
"The closure of the mine affected us a lot. Some of our colleagues passed away due to stress. We hope that the reopening will bring relief to many families. By the time the mine collapsed, some employees had already taken personal loans from the banks.
"We couldn't submit any letters to the banks because we did not get any letters from the mine stating that we were retrenched or whatever reasons. The bank's interest rates did not stop. As we speak, we are drowning in debt because of the collapse of the mine," he said.
When the mine was placed under business rescue, Johannes Mlotshwa, a former employee of the mine for more than 30 years, saw his dreams and hopes fade away.
He said since the mine is reopening, they will pay their debts.
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) branch secretary at Optimum, Richard Mguzulu, said the union has been in battle for the past six years, trying to ensure the mine reopens.
He said that with this achievement, people would obtain jobs, and the community would benefit as well.
"We are hoping that there won't be any other hiccups," he said.
