Former miners’ compensation campaign kicks off in northern KZN

Former miners’ compensation campaign kicks off in northern KZN

The Health Department has kicked off a programme that will see some former mine workers who were injured on the job being paid out benefits. 

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Eligible gold miners, who were employed between March 1965 and December 2019 and who contracted TB or silicosis disease, will be screened.

 

The department's Foster Mohale says after they became ill, the workers were released from their jobs without compensation.

 

He says they began rolling out the programme in northern KZN on Monday.

Former mine workers or their dependents are being asked to come forward with supporting documents to make their claims.

 

A total of R10 billion has been set aside to assist them.

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"There was a long legal battle between government and other civil societies against some of these mining companies,” says Mohale.

 

“They were involved in this battle until the money they agreed to pay, contribute into one pot, money to compensate those who suffered health injuries. This court battle ended around 2018 so that the company can coordinate the compensation for all that suffered health injuries.”

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