Tshiamiso Trust Pays Out Over M859 Million to Basotho Mineworkers Since 2019

The Tshiamiso Trust has confirmed that it has paid M859,000,106 in compensation to 9,366 Basotho claimants since 2019. The payouts form part of the Trust’s mandate to support former mineworkers suffering from silicosis and tuberculosis, providing long-delayed relief to affected families.

Over the past three weeks, the Trust conducted an extensive outreach programme across seven districts, including Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Teyateyaneng, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, and Quthing. The campaign aimed to assist former gold mineworkers and their families in accessing compensation. The programme concluded on August 12 in Quthing, where thousands of ex-miners and dependants attended seeking support.

Stakeholder Relations and Communication Executive Lusanda Jiya reported that over 12,500 people were reached during the outreach. The high turnout meant that some individuals could not be assisted on the same day, highlighting the ongoing demand for the Trust’s services.

Jiya explained that processing claims remains challenging, especially for deceased mineworkers whose documentation is often incomplete. Many death certificates list “natural causes,” which delays claim approval. To address this, the Trust amended its Deed to allow families to submit additional medical proof. The Trust is assisting families in securing these documents to ensure no valid claim is left unresolved.

Claims submitted using Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODMWA) certificates are still pending certification. The Trust urges all potential claimants to contact their call centre at +27 10 500 6186 from outside South Africa, visit TEBA lodgement offices, use WhatsApp at +27 78 504 9004, or reach out via the Tshiamiso Trust Facebook page.

Jiya emphasized that the claims process is ongoing and reiterated the Trust’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible claimant receives the compensation they are due.