Johannesburg - Workers at Aurora Empowerment Systems in Grootvlei, Springs were keenly awaiting the arrival of expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema who was expected to address them on Thursday morning.
“We are happy that Malema is coming to address us because he is the man who can solve corruption in this place,” said Wanina Siwaphi, one of the workers.
Siwaphi is one of the 1 200 workers who were forced to move into the nearby informal settlement of Painville after a mine hostel was demolished three months ago.
A few ANCYL members sang Struggle songs outside while workers were speaking with reporters who arrived ahead of Malema's address.
Aurora is currently under liquidation and has left 5 000 workers unemployed.
Most of the workers have since left Grootvlei while those in Painville still hoped their situation would improve.
The mine is owned by President Jacob Zuma's nephew Khulubuse Zuma and former president Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zondwa Mandela. - Sapa