Northern Cape Community Support Organisation
Community Driven
Born From Crisis. Driven By Unity.
When the gates closed, our community stepped up. NCCSO was founded on the frontlines of sudden hardship to ensure no worker or family was left behind. Together, we turn shared challenges into collective strength.
Since 2026, February the 25th
On February 25, 2026, Ekapa Mine was abruptly placed into liquidation overnight. At 11:00 AM that morning, Dirk stood outside the gates of Wesselton Shaft alongside a few colleagues when distressed workers approached with a simple, desperate question: “What do we do now?”
Recognizing the urgent need for action, Dirk, Annette, and Elaine immediately came together to figure out a path forward. That very day, Dirk launched a WhatsApp group named the Ekapa Relief Program to support and assist affected workers across Wesselton, Surface Mining, Joint Shaft, Outside Services, and the CTP Plant.
While registering the initiative as an official NPO, potential naming conflicts led to a broader vision: the organization was officially established as the Northern Cape Community Service Organization (NCCSO).
Growing Through Community Action
What started as a immediate response team quickly grew into a comprehensive support network:
- Food Parcel Campaigns: A few weeks after launching, Mari joined forces with Dirk to spearhead two major food parcel distribution projects, providing critical aid to families in need.
- Expanded Lifelines: Following Mari’s departure, Dirk took over full management of NCCSO and expanded its reach into vital specialized departments, including:
- Financial & Benefit Support: Guidance for UIF, Pension, and Medical claims.
- Career Development: Job seeking (local and international/USA), CV building, document preparation, and interview prep.
- Community & Dignity Outreach: School farewell support, grooming and beauty services, baby and sanitary product distribution, security support, and church event coordination.
Driven by Leadership and Unity
NCCSO’s rapid growth and success have been fueled by a dedicated administrative team and community volunteers who stepped up when their peers needed them most.
Key individual driving individual groups and operations have included Tamika Du Toit, Conrad Pretorius, Beanca Du Plessis, Frank Gerber, Melindy Le Roux, Janine Du Toit, Thapelo Mokoena, Percy Manuals, Annette Venter, and Elaine Hickman Marx, alongside former Ekapa employees, local community members, former suppliers, and regional business partners.
Today, NCCSO stands as a testament to what happens when a community chooses to stand together in the face of adversity.
Standing Together When It Counts
From a single WhatsApp group formed outside Wesselton Shaft to a multi-branch support network across the Northern Cape.
5+
Mining & Support Sectors Reached
(Wesselton, Surface, Joint Shaft, Outside Services, CTP Plant)
2
Major Food Relief Campaigns Completed
10+
Specialized Support Groups Established
(UIF, Pensions, Careers, Food Aid, Welfare, & Legal)
From Immediate Relief to Long-Term Resilience.
Sustained Welfare
Providing dedicated assistance with UIF, Pension, and Medical claims, along with organizing major food parcel campaigns and community dignity outreach for vulnerable families.
Career Pathways
Guiding former workers and community members through job searches (both local and international), professional CV building, document preparation, and interview readiness.
Regional Empowerment
Strengthening the Northern Cape safety net to protect against future industrial shifts.
“When sudden crisis tests our community, unity becomes our strength. NCCSO remains committed to leaving no worker or family behind.” Northern Cape Community Service Organization
Need Assistance or Want to Get Involved?
If you are an affected worker needing support with UIF, pensions, welfare, or legal advice—or if you want to support our community initiative—we are here for you.