Some have long died and their dependents condemned to destitution. But there appears to be some ray of light at the end of the tunnel for survivors.
This follows the announcement by Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, about plans for R1.5bn compensation payout to miners suffering from lung disease, under Project Ku-Riha, which means compensation in Tsonga.
“Our goal is to compensate current and ex-mineworkers who have submitted valid and compensable claims,” said the Minister, in his media briefing in the West Johannesburg mining town of Carletonville, which Transform SA Online attended.
Those that will qualify for compensation include sufferers of tuberculosis, silicosis, and other illnesses, Motsoaledi said, adding that miners from other countries are also eligible to apply.
Currently, there is a backlog of 500 000 claims to be attended. Lung disease affects 700 000 people.
Centres will be established countrywide to diagnose people and ascertain their eligibility for compensation.
Some of the mining companies that are part of the initiative include AngloGold Ashanti, the world’s third-biggest gold miner, African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American, DRDGold, Gold Fields, Sibanye Gold and Village Main Reef.
My father worked Atok Platinum mine,and he get sick of TB and died in 1996.we didn’t get any cent from that mine. What can I do