Solidarity outraged by Hulley appointment: A slap in the face for 5 300 Aurora employees - Solidarity

The appointment of Michael Hulley, a director of the liquidated Aurora Empowerment Systems, as part-time legal advisor in the Presidency is a slap in the face for some 5 300 former Aurora employees and their families who have fallen into poverty thanks to the actions of Hulley and the other Aurora directors, trade union Solidarity said today. Solidarity further stated that the appointment was completely insensitive and reflected a lack of judgment. It also confirmed Solidarity's belief that the Aurora directors seemingly have political indemnity. 

The announcement of Hulley's appointment comes barely a day after he testified before the Master of the North Gauteng High Court in an enquiry in terms of sections 417 and 418 of the Companies Act regarding Pamodzi Gold's insolvency.

According to Gideon du Plessis, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, Aurora broke various mining and labour laws and violated their employees' basic human rights during the period that they managed the Pamodzi mines. "All of this went on while Hulley, an advocate who is supposed to be a protector of the law and human rights, looked on," said Du Plessis.

The trade union called on the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources to support its demand for the immediate rescission of Hulley's appointment. The committee recommended last Friday that criminal charges be brought against all Aurora directors.

*Khulubuse Zuma is expected to testify in terms of sections 417 and 418 of the Companies Act before the Master of the North Gauteng High Court regarding Pamodzi Gold's insolvency today.

Aurora's Zuma also too ill to testify

Khulubuse Zuma, one of Aurora's controversial directors, today refused on the basis of his "medical condition" to give evidence in terms of sections 417 and 418 of the Companies Act regarding Pamodzi Gold's insolvency before the Master of the High Court. In September Zuma also refused to give evidence unless he testify in Zulu. Zuma's testimony was consequently postponed to today.

Zuma's legal representative today asserted that Zuma cannot give evidence, as he has only one kidney and has a heart condition owing to his weight. Furthermore, Zuma and his legal representative have not consulted with each other regarding the enquiry. One of Pamodzi Gold's liquidators, Johan Engelbrecht, offered to arrange for a doctor to be present at the proceedings to monitor Zuma's medical condition, but the offer was turned down. Meanwhile, two days' expenses for interpreting services were incurred for Zuma's testimony, but this money has now been wasted.

Farook Moosa, legal advisor of Zondwa Mandela, the Managing Director of Aurora Empowerment Systems, also claimed earlier this week that Mandela was "too ill" to give evidence in the same insolvency enquiry.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity, November 3 2011

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