Aurora judgment brings justice for Pamodzi employees – Solidarity

25 June 2015

The court ruling in terms of which several directors of Aurora Empowerment Systems are held accountable for damages due to the mismanagement of two Pamodzi mines finally brings justice for thousands of former Pamodzi employees. This was the reaction of Solidarity today shortly after judgment was delivered in the North Gauteng High Court in this controversial lawsuit.

In terms of the ruling, Khulubuse Zuma, Zondwa Mandela, Solly and Fazel Bhana, as well as Thulani Ngubani, are jointly and severally held liable for hundreds of millions of rands in damages. If they do not have the financial ability to pay these damages, an application for sequestration could be brought against them after which the court may give instruction for the seizure of their assets. The ruling also paves the way for civil charges to be brought against Michael Hulley, President Jacob Zuma’s legal adviser, who had been involved in the controversial company at that time. Until now, he has argued that he could not be held liable for the actions of the Aurora directors.

“We are pleased with the judgment and our trust in the rule of law has been restored. Today proved that those with strong political ties are indeed not above the law. We are, however, particularly grateful for the sake of the former Aurora workers. While nothing can compensate them for the losses they have suffered, and although further legal processes have to follow before the money can be collected, this judgment at least brought justice for them. Furthermore, another court application against the controversial Bhana family for other irregularities still has to be heard,” Gideon du Plessis, Solidarity General Secretary said.

Du Plessis added that the Aurora case will be remembered for a long time as one of the biggest scandals in South African mining history.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary: Solidarity, June 25 2015