Old workers of Vanchem will still wait for their money

Ex-employees of Vanchem Vanadium Products (Pty) Ltd are tired of waiting for their money, more than a year after the business closed their doors.

In January 2016 their doors, along with Highveld Steel and Vanadium closed, but unlike Highveld, Vanchem is still under business rescue. Both businesses were placed under business rescue before they closed, but according to a financial informant from Vanchem, the problems of this business is still not resolved.

“Business rescue must decide when the money of ex-employees are going to be paid out, and when the problems are going to be solved. They must publish a business plan and until then, no money can be paid out. We have done the best we could to assist the people, even to register them and help them claim UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) for as long as possible,” he said.

He added that Vanchem was placed under business rescue in November 2015 but they had no choice but to shut their doors in Janauary 2016. He also confirmed that all workers were retrenched in that month.

“There is currently no business at Vanchem and although pension monies were paid out previously, we can do nothing regarding outstanding monies. We have a plan in action to communicate to ex-employees as soon as we know where the road will lead us,” the informant added.

An ex-employee from Vanchem, Mr Johannes Masuka, said on Thursday, May 18 that since the retrenchments he has not worked another day. He added that his family, and others, are at their wits end because most of them lost their cars and houses since the retrenchments.

“Our children are also suffering, the schools do not want them to continue their schooling career for free, and are rejecting the applications. Some children have to walk long distances to school, it is dangerous and cold, but they have no other choice,” Masuka added.

He said that five ex-employees have lost their lives thus far, due to high blood pressure and stress related illnesses.

No feedback could be obtained from business rescue.

ALSO READ:

https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/61365/highveld-closed/

https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/62269/highveld-workers-get-retrenchment-letters/