Sibanye Gold says that its hostel in Carletonville’s Beryl Street over which the Herald reported last week is to be demolished.
The newspaper reported that the hostel was in a very bad state, although still looking relatively normal from the outside. Among other things, interior doors had
been removed and it appears that vagrants and street children are occupying various spaces inside the facility.
When questioned on the matter last week, Sibanye Gold promised to investigate the matter. On Tuesday, it provided the answers. The mining house confirmed that the
hostel still belongs to Sibanye and said the plan is to demolish the buildings to make way for affordable housing for its employees to purchase.
“There are currently only about 20 of the 100 employees who still occupy some of the rooms. They have been given notice and alternative accommodation is being
sourced for them. Unfortunately, there are challenges with the relocation and we have involved the respective unions in assisting Sibanye in this regard,” said Sibanye
spokesperson, Ms Santie Keyter.
She added that many of the fixtures have already been removed and services have been discontinued as the facility is currently in the demolition phase. “We were recently granted the necessary approval to proceed with the plans. The final obstacle
is the relocation of the current occupants which will be dealt with according to company policy as the process of demolition will commence soon,” she continued.
The property will soon be under construction and we believe this will stop any illegal occupants or invaders. The company will engage with the local authorities to assist with managing the current activities in the area,” Keyter concluded.
