Over M1 billion paid to ex-Basotho miners

MASERU – The Tshiamiso Trust has paid more than M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and their dependents for qualifying silicosis and tuberculosis claims linked to employment in South African gold mines.

The Tshiamiso Trust was established to implement the settlement agreement reached between six mining companies and claimant attorneys in the historic silicosis and TB class action. The companies are African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo Americans South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, Sibanye Stillwater and Gold Fields.

The milestone was announced this week during a media briefing in Maseru as the Trust continues to strengthen partnerships aimed at identifying and assisting potentially eligible claimants across the Lesotho kingdom.

The announcement comes during a week of stakeholder engagement in Lesotho, including a workshop convened by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The workshop provided an important opportunity for stakeholders to share progress, strengthen collaboration and discuss ongoing efforts to support former mineworkers and their families.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tshiamiso Trust, Dr. Munyadziwa Kwinda, has expressed gratitude to the many partners whose collaboration has enabled the Trust to reach thousands of claimants across the country.

“This milestone reflects what can be achieved through sustained partnership and shared commitment. We extend our sincere appreciation to the government of Lesotho, social cluster committee under the leadership of Mokhothu Makhalanyane, ex-mineworker associations, community leaders and service providers whose support has strengthened outreach efforts throughout Lesotho,”

“The leadership shown by the Social Cluster Committee in bringing together a broad range of stakeholders has been invaluable in advancing awareness and claimant support initiatives. Most importantly, this milestone represents compensation reaching former mineworkers and families who have waited many years or recognition of the impact that occupational lung diseases have had on their lives,” Kwinda said.

While the M1billion milestone marks a significant achievement, stakeholders remain focused on the work that lies ahead. Efforts continue to identify, locate and assist potentially eligible claimants, particularly in remote and undeserved communities.

“Our focus remains firmly on finding and assisting those who may qualify for compensation. We will continue working closely with stakeholders across Lesotho to ensure that no eligible claimant is left behind,” Kwinda added.

The Chairperson of the Social Cluster Committee in the National Assembly Mokhothu Makhalanyane also welcomed the continued collaboration among stakeholders working to support ex-mineworkers and their families.

“The progress achieved to date demonstrates the value of cooperation across institutions and communities. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that help ensure eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and their dependents are informed, assisted and able to access the compensation to which they are entitled,” Makhalanyane said.