By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Thousands of Zimbabwean former mineworkers who contracted silicosis or tuberculosis (TB) while working in South Africa’s gold mines are now a step closer to receiving long-awaited compensation, following the launch of a joint initiative between the Tshiamiso Trust and the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
The programme was officially unveiled in Harare yesterday, coinciding with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tshiamiso Trust and the Government of Zimbabwe.
The agreement paves the way for eligible ex-mineworkers and their dependents to access medical assessments and lodge claims for compensation within Zimbabwe — eliminating the need to travel across borders.
Under the new arrangement, Baines Occupational Health Services has been appointed as the accredited service provider to handle claim lodgements and Benefit Medical Examinations (BMEs). Clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo will begin operations in November 2025.
Restoring Dignity for Former Mineworkers
Tshiamiso Trust Chief Executive Officer Dr Munyadziwa Kwinda said the partnership marks a historic milestone in extending justice and recognition to former mineworkers who suffered work-related lung diseases after years of service in South Africa’s mines.
“Thousands of Zimbabwean ex-mineworkers have been waiting for this moment. Today’s agreement means they can now lodge claims and undergo the required medical assessments here at home,” said Dr Kwinda.
“This is about restoring dignity and fulfilling the promise made to the men and families who built the mining industry.”
NSSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Charles Shava described the collaboration as a crucial step in cross-border social protection and worker welfare.
“Many Zimbabweans spent their productive years in South Africa’s mines and returned home with illnesses that changed their lives,” he said.
“This initiative ensures they can finally access the compensation they deserve, without the burden of travelling back to South Africa.”
How the Scheme Works
Starting in November 2025, claimants will be able to:
Lodge claims and complete BMEs at Baines clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo.
Update details or confirm eligibility via the Tshiamiso Trust call centre or WhatsApp line.
Eligibility applies to former gold mineworkers who carried out risk work between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019, as listed in the Trust Deed. Claimants must show permanent lung impairment from silicosis or TB contracted during that period.
Those with over five years of qualifying work will receive a free medical exam, while those with less than five years must pay a R1,900 fee, refundable if their claim is approved. For deceased mineworkers, dependents must provide medical evidence of the cause of death linked to TB or silicosis.
Dr Kwinda said claims are assessed in accordance with the Trust Deed’s detailed criteria across ten compensation categories.
Payments are once-off, though individuals initially deemed ineligible can reapply if they later develop qualifying symptoms.
Protecting Claimants
The Trust urged claimants to avoid fraudsters posing as intermediaries or promising to speed up claims for payment.
“All Tshiamiso Trust services are free, except for the refundable medical examination fee where applicable,” said Dr Kwinda.
Claimants can contact Baines Occupational Health Clinics at:
Harare: 242 250465
Bulawayo: 292 273452
Gweru: 542 230141
Alternatively, queries can be directed to the Tshiamiso Trust via phone (+27 10 500 6186), WhatsApp (+27 78 504 9004), email (info@tshiamisotrust.com
), or Facebook (Tshiamiso Trust – Silicosis Settlement). Claimants can also check their eligibility online at www.tshiamisotrust.com/information/status-check
.
About Author
