The Tshiamiso Trust announced that it has reached 7.9 billion meticais ($124 million) in compensation paid to former miners and their dependents affected by silicosis and tuberculosis related to mining activities, Mining Weekly reported on Monday, September 1.
According to the outlet, the fund— which this week released its annual report—was established to implement the historic settlement reached between six mining companies (African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, Sibanye Stillwater, and Gold Fields) and the plaintiffs’ lawyers in a class-action lawsuit against these companies.
The report states that 51% of compensations were paid to beneficiaries in South Africa, mainly in the Eastern Cape and Free State provinces. Lesotho ranks second, with 42%, reflecting the long tradition of Basotho miners working in South African mines.
Other countries in the region, such as Botswana, Mozambique, and Eswatini, continue to be included in outreach and beneficiary referral efforts.
Tshiamiso Trust CEO Munyadziwa Kwinda highlighted the success of a pilot project in Zimbabwe, which paved the way for full implementation of services in that country. He also reported significant progress in negotiations with the Government of Malawi, which should allow operations to expand there.
“During the reporting period, we established Benefit Medical Examination services in Botswana, where some claimants received their payments in just two weeks after the examination. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our streamlined processes,” said Munyadziwa Kwinda.
With this milestone, the Tshiamiso Trust reinforces its role in supporting thousands of families affected by occupational diseases that have marked Southern Africa’s mining industry for decades.
Source: Diário Económico
