31 Aug 2026

Former BCL employees who have been assessed and verified as eligible beneficiaries of some of the 1 232 houses purchased by the government from the BCL Liquidator are set to receive their houses officially.

The Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Onnetse Ramogapi, explained this during an engagement meeting with former BCL employees in Selebi Phikwe on Friday. The meeting was held in collaboration with the Minister for State, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa.

It was set to provide an update to former BCL employees regarding housing allocation, payments and other related critical matters regarding BCL mine closure.

Mr Ramogapi explained that the government and relevant stakeholders were currently working on logistics and other related matters for the official handover of the houses.

He assured former BCL employees currently occupying the houses that they were allowed to remain in the properties while they await the completion of the handover process.

“The government has resolved to allocate the houses as social housing, taking into consideration the condition of most properties, which are dilapidated and will not be renovated before being handed over to beneficiaries,” he said.

He said beneficiaries would have the opportunity to obtain the houses through a contractual arrangement, which might involve a series of agreed-upon payments over time, thereby allowing for more manageable financial commitments. Alternatively, beneficiaries have the option to purchase the houses outright by paying the full amount in cash.

Mr Ramogapi further advised all occupants to exercise caution and avoid undertaking any renovations or major alterations to their homes, emphasising the importance of waiting until the official handover process is complete and all relevant documents are signed.

This approach, he said, would ensure that any changes to the properties comply with applicable regulations and do not cause complications during the transition.

“This is to offer former employees of BCL much-needed clarity and a sense of security concerning the housing arrangements they currently reside in. This comes in response to the protracted challenges that have caused ongoing uncertainty for these individuals,” he said.

He said this is also to address all concerns about housing stability, ensuring that beneficiaries have a clearer understanding of their living situations as they navigate the aftermath of the

mine’s closure.

Minister Ramogapi expressed his appreciation for the resilience shown by the former BCL employees. He recognised the challenges they faced following the mine’s closure and reassured them that the government would continue to address other BCL closure matters accordingly. 

Former employee of BCL, Mr Teko Monare, expressed his appreciation for the efforts made in housing allocation, calling it a milestone that brings hope. However, he voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision to allocate houses, noting that it seems to favour only those who had been living in the mine houses before the closure.

“Some of the individuals who have never had the chance to live in former BCL-owned homes have been largely forgotten in the conversation surrounding housing opportunities. Their experiences and needs remain unaddressed; this highlights a gap in awareness and support for those who have been excluded from such living arrangements,” he said. ENDS