BMWU Pleads For BCL Former Workers' Accommodation

The liquidator of the mine recently issued letters to  BCL’s former workers requesting them to vacate the mine houses by the end of January following the expiry of their lease agreements.

At the request of the government, the liquidator decided to indefinitely halt the eviction of the former BCL workers. “Accommodation for our members is at stake. They are prone to eviction. We, however, believe that we have made a strong case as to why the government should continue paying the rent for our members at BCL Mine in Selebi Phikwe,” BMWU president, Jack Tlhagale said. He added, “We have made a request to government to pay rent for our members for the next 12 months. We are waiting for a response. They (members) have been invited by the liquidator to sign new lease agreements. Hopefully, our request will be treated seriously and the lease extension will be for 12 months as per our proposal. A 12-month lease is reasonable and gives our members a sense of security.” BCL former workers will sign new lease agreements next week.