Big twist in Aurora crisis: Motala and Gainsford fired: Solidarity demands that Aurora be removed as manager of mining asset

The decision of the Department of Justice this morning to fire Enver Motala and Gavin Gainsford as liquidators of the Pamodzi Gold estate is a possible turning point in the Pamodzi and Aurora saga, trade union Solidarity said today.

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.

This comes 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 31 May to oppose the application. If Aurora does not oppose the application, it will be heard in the North Gauteng High Court on 7 June. 

"Solidarity is pleased that Enver Motala, who regarded himself as the chief liquidator of the Pamodzi mines, has been removed as liquidator by the Department of Justice this morning," Gideon du Plessis, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, said shortly after the Department's announcement.

Meanwhile, Du Plessis will once again address the portfolio committee on mining resources in Cape Town on Friday, 27 May regarding the crisis at the Aurora mines at Grootvlei and Orkney.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity, May 23 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter