Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The tests to provide ex-mineworkers and their beneficiaries with access to compensation benefits for occupational lung diseases and other social protection funds are ongoing at Westvaal Hospital. According to the project coordinator, Tsietsi Letsedi, this project started two and a half years ago and 128 000 ex miners and their families have been assessed. “We have a list and do track and tracing. Our estimate is that 148 000 ex miners still have to be assessed. This is for all ex miners; across all mines,” he said.
This project still has four and a half years to run.
“We test for silicosis, asbestosis and TB. We need proof of employment. If a mine worker has already passed away, the family can still claim. They, however, need proof of employment such as an ID number, banking details or any other proof of employment.”
The project is run by the Department of Health and the district council, with the help of unions and ex-mineworkers’ councils.
He appeals to ex miners to come to the hospital and those who have been there to tell others as it will be to their benefit.
