Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
THE National Social Security Authority (Nssa) has partnered with the Tshiamiso Trust to facilitate compensation for Zimbabweans who formerly worked in South African mines and later suffered permanent lung damage caused by silicosis or contracted tuberculosis.
The announcement coincides with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tshiamiso Trust and the Government of Zimbabwe — a development that formalises co-operation to ensure affected former Witwatersrand Native Labour Association (WNLA), popularly known as Wenela mineworkers, and their dependents can now access the compensation they deserve.
Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, Baines Occupational Health Services was appointed last November as the accredited local service provider to conduct both lodgement and Benefit Medical Examination (BME) services. From next month, clinics in Bulawayo, Harare, and Gweru will begin assisting claimants.
The Tshiamiso Trust was established in 2020 following a landmark class action lawsuit settlement against six South African mining companies — African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, Sibanye-Stillwater, and Gold Fields. The R5 billion settlement aims to compensate former mineworkers across Southern Africa who developed occupational lung diseases after years of exposure to silica dust underground.
For decades, thousands of Zimbabweans worked in South Africa’s gold mines under harsh and unsafe conditions, often without adequate protective equipment. Many returned home suffering from chronic illnesses such as silicosis and TB, with limited access to healthcare or social protection.
Tshiamiso Trust chief executive officer, Dr Munyadziwa Kwinda, said the partnership marks a critical milestone in extending the Trust’s services across the region.
“We are honoured to mark this moment in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and Nssa. Thousands of Zimbabwean ex-mineworkers have been waiting for Tshiamiso Trust services to commence so that they can access compensation that they may qualify for.
“Today’s agreement means they can now lodge their claims and complete the medical assessments required to determine their eligibility for compensation. This is about restoring dignity and delivering on the promise made to the men and families who built the mining industry,” he said.
To access the services, eligible claimants must lodge new claims and complete BMEs at Baines Occupational Health Services clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo.
Applicants must have performed “risk work” at any of the qualifying gold mines between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019. Surviving mineworkers must show evidence of permanent lung impairment resulting from silicosis or TB contracted during their employment.
If a claimant completed less than one year of risk work, they will need to pay R1 900 for the medical examination, which will be refunded if their claim is approved. Those who worked for a year or more will receive the examination free of charge.
“For deceased mineworkers, there must either be evidence that they died from work-related TB within a year of leaving the mine if it’s a TB claim, or evidence that they had silicosis (if the mineworker died between 1 January 2008 and 10 December 2019) or died from silicosis.
“These are the broad eligibility criteria. Claims are assessed thoroughly, following what is prescribed by the Trust Deed, and specific criteria apply to each of the 10 categories available for compensation,” said Dr Kwinda.
Dr Kwinda added that compensation is a one-time payment, meaning once a claimant receives compensation, no further payments will be made even if their condition worsens. However, if a claimant is initially found ineligible but later develops silicosis, they can lodge a second claim. He also warned former mineworkers against fraudsters impersonating the Trust.
“Only Tshiamiso Trust can process claims, and this is a free service except for the BME fee. Claimants must not pay anyone who promises to speed up their claim,” said Dr Kwinda.
Nssa chief executive officer, Dr Charles Shava, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant step in expanding social protection for Zimbabwean ex-mineworkers and their families.
“Through this partnership, Nssa reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation that improves the welfare and livelihoods of Zimbabwean workers and their families. Zimbabwe is home to many who spent their working lives in South Africa’s mines and returned home with illnesses that changed their futures,” he said.
Dr Shava said through this collaboration, they are ensuring that those who qualify can now access the compensation due to them, closer to where they live.
He said Nssa remains committed to strengthening cross-border labour protection mechanisms and ensuring workers receive justice for occupational injuries and diseases sustained beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
This initiative complements the Second Republic’s thrust on social protection and inclusive development, as the Government continues to prioritise welfare programmes for workers and their families, including those in the diaspora. — @DubeMatutu
