EL workers in R200 000 pay dispute

that year and they had approached their union, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), to fight their dismissal.

They won their case and Govender reinstated them in December the same year with the agreement he would pay them the money they lost during the five months they were not working.

However, they are still waiting for their money.

Govender said his attorneys were the reason behind the delay in payment.

“I am waiting for my lawyers to tell me what to do.

“Yes, we have disagreed on certain figures, but money is no issue. I will pay the workers as soon as the lawyers tell me to do so.”

His lawyer could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.

Employee Simphiwe Tshiwo said the reason for their dismissal had not made sense to them.

“He fired us saying we weren’t bringing in enough money for his company but making profits has never been part of our job description.”

Siphiwo Jamda said Govender’s treatment of them had been tough.

“We want the money that is due to us, and for him to know that even though we work for him, we are people too,” he added. Some workers have since quit. Anda Mpetukana of NUM Eastern Cape region, speaking on behalf of the workers, said the matter needed to be resolved.

“This matter has been dragging on for too long, and he [Govender] keeps changing payment agreements.

“The workers deserve the full amount he owes them, and we are hoping to settle out of court.”