AFTER years of waiting, ex-Wenela mineworkers in Zimbabwe who contracted silicosis or work-related tuberculosis (TB) due to hazardous working conditions are finally set to receive compensation.
Tshiamiso Trust, established to provide redress to affected mineworkers, is seeking local service providers to facilitate the claims process, marking a crucial step towards justice for thousands of families.
The Trust, which has already paid out over $100 million in compensation to 19,000 beneficiaries in South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Eswatini, is now turning its attention to Zimbabwe.
This move is a result of productive discussions with the Zimbabwean government, with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) expected to be signed soon.
The compensation process is a long-awaited victory for ex-Wenela mineworkers, many of whom have struggled to access medical care and livelihoods due to their debilitating conditions. “We’re excited to announce that we are now commencing the process of sourcing local service providers to establish crucial services in Zimbabwe,” said Dr. Munyadziwa Kwinda, CEO of the Tshiamiso Trust. “These services will ensure that ex-Wenela mineworkers and their families have access to the support they deserve, streamlining the claims process and providing essential medical assessments.”
The Trust is seeking service providers to offer claim lodgment facilities and benefit medical examinations (BMEs) in Zimbabwe.
The claim lodgment facilities will provide a centralized location for claimants to submit documents, undergo biometric verification, and receive guidance on the claims process. The BMEs, meanwhile, will conduct thorough medical assessments to determine eligibility for compensation based on the severity of lung impairment caused by high exposure to silica dust.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of these medical examinations, the Trust has set strict requirements for service providers, including qualifications, registration, and experience in diagnosing occupational lung diseases. The facilities must also be equipped to conduct digital chest X-rays, vital screening, and physical examinations, among other tests.
Dr. Kwinda emphasized the importance of finding the correct service providers, saying, “We have set an ambitious procurement timeline so that services can be enabled as quickly as possible, and we look forward to working with qualified Zimbabwean service providers to make this happen.”
This development marks a significant step forward in the quest for justice and compensation for Zimbabwean mineworkers who have suffered the devastating effects of silicosis and TB.
The Tshiamiso Trust’s expansion into Zimbabwe brings hope to thousands of families who have waited far too long for recognition and redress.
The Trust’s efforts are a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions.
As the compensation process gets underway, it is a reminder of the human cost of industrial neglect and the need for justice and redress for those affected.
Interested parties can review the requirements set out in the Request for Proposals document, available on the Tshiamiso Trust website, and register for a mandatory online briefing on 04 October ahead of the proposal deadline on 18 October.
