EWN reports that despite management by that all workers at the Optimum Coal mine have been paid, several employees say that this is definitely not the case.  

Those who have worked for the mine near Hendrina in Mpumalanga for over 10 years say that, despite the firm having been under financial strain before, they have never experienced the current type of non-payment.  Martin Lubisi, who is employed as a semi-skilled boiler maker, says he is worried about the future of his siblings and children who all depend on him.  He now faces eviction from the communal room he rents just outside the mine because of his failure to pay rent over the past three months.  He called on the Minerals Resources Department to find a solution soon.  Meanwhile, business rescue practitioner Chris Monyela said the mine was in the process of obtaining finance to ensure an economically viable operation.

• Read this report by Pelane Phakgadi at EWN

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