‘Tragedy on top of a tragedy’: Northern Cape government steps in amid Ekapa mine liquidation

Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul. Picture: Facebook / Northern Cape Provincial Government The provincial government will step in to support mineworkers whose livelihoods are at risk after Ekapa Minerals Mine filed for liquidation, Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul confirmed. Over 1 000 workers are now caught in a legal battle to save their jobs at the Kimberley mine, which filed for liquidation following a tragic mudslide on 17 February 2026 trapped five miners underground.

Although rescue efforts were called off and the workers are presumed dead, the Northern Cape High Court grantedprovisional liquidationto the company. Addressing families at a prayer meeting on Friday, 6 March, Saul described the court decision as “serious setback”. “It’s a tragedy on top of a tragedy.

We are now sitting with five workers in the mine, in a shaft at a mine and are having now 1 100 workers who are patrolling the streets, unemployed. “They don’t know where their next meal will come from,” he said. The premier announced a relief package of R3.5 million, which will reportedly include R10 000 and R3 000 food vouchers for the families of the trapped miners and the remaining workers, respectively.

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He also pledged psycho-social support through the Northern Cape Department of Social Development. “The provincial government reaffirms its solidarity with the mine workers and extends its deepest sympathies to the families as they navigate this challenging time,” Saul added. Despite the tragedy, relatives of the trapped miners remain hopeful.

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