DELMAS — Employees at Roots Delmas blocked the removal of stock from the store on Wednesday, 03 June 2026, amid a dispute over unpaid salaries, severance packages and other outstanding benefits following the closure of the business.
Workers said they were shocked when they arrived at work about two weeks ago and found the store closed without prior notice.
According to shop steward Nkosinate Maphangele, employees later learned through the company’s human resources department that the business was in the process of being placed under liquidation.
A letter seen by Highveld Chronicle indicates that the company had been experiencing financial difficulties for the past 18 months. The letter further states that on 14 May 2026, the landlord locked the store due to unpaid rent.
According to the document, attempts to resolve the matter with the landlord were unsuccessful, leaving the company with “no alternative but to place the company under liquidation”.
Employees were informed that they would receive UIF documentation and letters of service and would be notified once a liquidator had been appointed.
The situation escalated on Wednesday when individuals believed to be acting on behalf of the company arrived at the complex to remove stock from the premises.
Employees objected, arguing that no stock should be removed until they received clarity regarding their outstanding payments.
“We want answers, and we want our money,” said Maphangele.
Employee Xoli Maseko said the sudden closure had left workers in financial distress.
“The sudden closure of the store has left employees struggling to survive. Many of us cannot afford transport, groceries or rent,” she said.
“We were never informed about the reasons behind the closure, and management has failed to communicate with us.”
Maseko further alleged that while a company representative identified only as John claimed he was unaware of the liquidation process, employees had seen correspondence from the human resources department referring to liquidation.
Community representatives Sam Mabena and MJ joined employees at the complex during the standoff.
Mabena said stock should not be removed until workers received clarity regarding their payments.
“We cannot stand by and watch everything being taken away while workers are left without salaries and answers,” he said.
When approached for comment, store general manager Eddie Pera said he was not in a position to respond in detail as he had not yet been fully briefed on the matter.
Pera said he had been instructed to remove rotten and perishable stock, including meat, vegetables and fruit, from the premises.
Employees remained at the complex throughout the day, maintaining their position that no stock should be removed until their concerns and claims had been addressed.
The status of the liquidation process and the workers’ claims remains unclear. The publication will continue to follow developments.
