SOUTH Africa’s Tshiamiso Trust and the Government of Zimbabwe, through the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), on Wednesday signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ambassador Hotel to help ex-Wenela mineworkers in Zimbabwe access compensation for lung diseases linked to gold mining.
The signing ceremony, marked the official launch of Tshiamiso Trust services in Zimbabwe. The agreement allows former mineworkers who developed silicosis or work-related tuberculosis while working in qualifying South African gold mines to lodge claims and undergo medical examinations locally.
Speaking at the event, Tshiamiso Trust Chief Executive Officer Dr Munyadziwa Kwinda said the partnership represents a new chapter in justice and cooperation between the two nations.
“We are gathered here to formally launch the Tshiamiso Trust’s compensation services in Zimbabwe and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Zimbabwe – a commitment to cooperation, accountability and shared purpose,” Dr Kwinda said.
“Thanks to collaboration with the NSSA and the Government of Zimbabwe, we are now able to bring these services to your doorstep. This is no small feat. It represents the power of partnership between nations, between institutions, and most importantly, between people united by a shared commitment to justice.”
Dr Kwinda explained that the Tshiamiso Trust was created after six major mining companies agreed to compensate workers who developed permanent lung damage from silicosis or tuberculosis due to exposure in gold mines between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019. The companies involved are African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, Sibanye-Stillwater, and Gold Fields.
He said the Trust had already paid just under R2.4 billion to 25,000 former mineworkers and their families in South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Botswana and Zimbabwe was now part of that regional effort.
After a competitive selection process, Baines Occupational Health Services was appointed as the accredited service provider in Zimbabwe. Clinics in Harare, Bulawayo, and Gweru will begin processing claims and conducting medical examinations from November 2025.
“This launch is not just the start of services it is a new chapter of hope and accountability. It is a reminder that justice, though sometimes delayed, can still be delivered with compassion and care,” Dr Kwinda said.
NSSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Charles Shava, said the partnership shows Zimbabwe’s commitment to social protection and regional cooperation.
“Zimbabwe is home to many who spent their working lives in South Africa’s mines and returned home with illnesses that changed their futures. Through this collaboration, we are ensuring that those who qualify can now access the compensation due to them, closer to where they live,” Dr Shava said.
“NSSA remains committed to working with regional partners like Tshiamiso Trust to expand social security and strengthen cross-border protection for our workers.”
Eligible former mineworkers or their dependents can now lodge claims if they worked in qualifying South African gold mines during the stated period. Those who qualify will receive a one-time compensation payment according to the Trust’s benefit categories.
Dr Kwinda also warned claimants to be careful of fraudsters.
“No one should pay anyone to help with their claim or speed up the process. Tshiamiso Trust services are free of charge, except for a small medical examination fee for those who have worked less than five years in risk work,” he said.
“Behind every claim is a story of courage, labour, and sacrifice. The men who worked in the gold mines of South Africa gave their strength, and too often their health, in service of an industry that enriched nations. To those men, and to their families we honour you, and we are here to serve you with integrity, compassion, and fairness.”
For more information or to lodge a claim, former mineworkers can contact Baines Occupational Health Services in Harare (0242250465), Bulawayo (0292273452), or Gweru (0542230141). They can also reach the Tshiamiso Trust via WhatsApp at +27 78 504 9004 or visit www.tshiamisotrust.com.
