The Tshiamiso Trust has commenced the Eastern Cape leg of its outreach programme, marking Phase 2 of the outreach initiative launched in August 2025 to expand access to silicosis and work-related tuberculosis (TB) compensation services for former gold mineworkers and their families.
In a statement, the Tshiamiso Trust stated that with the Eastern Cape home to the largest proportion of South African ex-mineworkers, the Trust has deployed teams to several districts to support claim lodgement, resolve incomplete claims, and assist families whose claims require further documentation. “Outreach activities in Matatiele and KwaBhaca will take place between 8 and 12 December, in collaboration with the Office of the Premier and local municipalities,” the statement explained.
Tshiamiso Trust CEO, Dr Munyadziwa Kwinda, said the Eastern Cape outreach builds on momentum established earlier this year: “This phase of outreach is a continuation of the work we began in August to take services closer to communities most affected by occupational lung disease. Our focus is on improving access, assisting families to navigate the claims process, and ensuring that eligible former mineworkers are supported to complete their claims correctly.”
The statement noted that since August, the Trust has intensified efforts to improve access to services across the region, including outreach activities in Lesotho, which is home to a significant portion of claimants, as well as expanded services in Botswana, eSwatini and Mozambique. “Services were also recently launched in Zimbabwe, further extending the Trust’s operational reach,” the statement added.
Current Outreach
According to the statement, as part of strengthening access, resolving incomplete claims, and supporting families who require further documentation, the comprehensive outreach programme assists former mineworkers and their dependents to:
- Lodge new claims
- Receive support with outstanding documentation
- Undergo Benefit Medical Examinations (BMEs)
- Receive guidance on the eligibility requirements set out in the Trust Deed
“This is applicable to former gold mineworkers who suffered permanent lung damage as a result of contracting silicosis or work-related TB during their employment at qualifying gold mines during qualifying periods,” the statement further added.
The final outreach for the year will be as follows:
- Matatiele: 8–9 December at Khotsong TB Hospital (SANTA) located at 100 Jagger Street, Itsokolele, Matatiele
- KwaBhaca: 11–12 December at Sophia Park Hall, KwaBhaca
Purpose of the Outreach
The statement noted this campaign is designed to reach key groups who may otherwise face barriers, including:
- Claimants whose contact numbers have changed or who could not previously be reached
- Families of deceased mineworkers who still need to submit a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Families needing to take over claims after the death of a claimant
- Mineworkers who require BMEs to determine permanent impairment
