Hopolang Mokhopi
FORMER mine workers are expressing growing frustration over the procedures of the Tshiamiso Trust, particularly the requirement to pay M1400 for Benefit Medical Examinations (BMEs) for those who worked for less than five years in qualifying mines.
Coordinator of the Ex-Miners Association, Rantšo Mantsi, has raised concerns over the legality of the M1400 fee, arguing that it is not sanctioned in the Trust’s founding deed.
Mr Mantsi also questioned why Tshiamiso does not recognise TB tests conducted at Sankatana Oncology Clinic — a government institution mandated to treat TB and cancer patients.
“Tshiamiso is not accountable to anyone. It refuses to share data of people diagnosed with TB or silicosis,” Mr Mantsi said.
“It does not work with Sankatana. So where does the M1400 go if it is not part of the Trust’s official processes”
Stephen Tsoenyane, a former mineworker, is one of the claimants who was turned away and told to return with M1400. He explained that he had already undergone TB testing at Sankatana and completed six months of treatment.
“I was told to go to Sankatana, and I did. I took the pills for six months. I never went for a Tshiamiso test.
“Now I am being asked how long I should wait for them to come back. It’s been two years since I last went, and I’m still healthy,” Mr Tsoenyane said.
Mr Tsoenyane said he worked at Vaal Reefs mine from 1968 to 1981. He has a medical booklet that confirms he had TB. However, he has recently learned that Vaal Reefs is not listed among the mines covered for TB benefits — a situation he finds both unfair and confusing.
Responding to the concerns, Tshiamiso Trust’s Stakeholder Relations and Communications Executive, Lusanda Jiya, said the M1400 fee is refunded to claimants whose claims are eventually approved.
“Living ex-miners who are initially certified as ineligible are allowed to lodge a new claim and undergo another BME. In such cases, they are required to pay for the second examination. However, if their claim is approved, the money will be refunded.”
Ms Jiya emphasised the importance of fully understanding the eligibility criteria to avoid wasting money on BMEs that may result in the same outcome.
“While the M1400 fee remains a point of contention, it is important to note that the BMEs play a critical role in assessing eligibility for compensation due to lung diseases caused by exposure to silica dust, particularly silicosis and TB.”
Eligibility is restricted to claimants who worked in qualifying risk roles at specified gold mines between March 1965 and December 2019.