Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube
THE Tshiamiso Trust, established to facilitate the compensation of former Wenela workers, has engaged Baines Occupational Health Services to conduct systems testing for ex-miners in Zimbabwe.
The ex-Wenela workers, an acronym for the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association, were recruited from countries including Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Many have been battling to access their benefits, with numerous workers having succumbed to lung infections contracted during their time in the mines.
The Tshiamiso Trust was formed as part of a settlement agreement between six mining companies and claimant attorneys in the landmark silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) class action. Companies involved include African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, Sibanye Stillwater, and Gold Fields. However, participation in the compensation process was voluntary, and not all mines were included.
In 2019, the South African High Court approved a historic R5 billion settlement in the silicosis case. Despite this, many ex-Wenela workers, including over 30 000 Zimbabweans who migrated to South Africa in the 1960s to work in the mines, are still awaiting the disbursement of pensions and other accrued benefits.
The Southern African Miners’ Association (SAMA) Zimbabwe representative, Mr Lungelwe Mkwananzi, confirmed that an agreement with the government has enabled the process to start. Baines Occupational Health Services, with centres in Bulawayo, Gweru, and Harare, has been appointed as the service provider.
“Systems testing for benefit medical examinations started in Bulawayo, moved to Gweru, and will proceed to Harare,” said Mr Mkwananzi. “This phase involves a small number of participants, with a full rollout planned for next year.”
The Bulawayo exercise catered to members in the province, while the Gweru session targeted individuals from the Midlands. Mr Mkwananzi urged members to be patient, explaining that thorough verification processes are necessary before benefits can be rolled out.
Mr Mkwananzi emphasised the importance of safeguarding documents related to service in Wenela, as some members have lost essential records, complicating the process.
Updates are being provided through meetings, such as one held in Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb, and members are encouraged to stay in touch with offices for further information.
One major challenge is the exclusion of workers from mines that opted out of the voluntary settlement. Mr Mkwananzi noted that efforts are underway to advocate for the inclusion of all ex-Wenela workers, particularly those employed under the Employment Bureau of Africa Limited, which placed individuals in various mines.
“We call on members to remain patient and optimistic as the programme is progressing,” said Mr Mkwananzi.
The compensation programme aims to address long-standing grievances and ensure justice for former miners who sacrificed their health and well-being in the mines.
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