Parliament, Tuesday, 9 June 2026 – The portfolio committees on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Health, and Employment and Labour have welcomed the work that has been undertaken thus far through the Ex-Mine Workers Intervention Project and reiterated the importance of strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that former mineworkers and their beneficiaries receive the support and benefits due to them.
The committees today received a joint briefing from the departments of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Health, and Employment and Labour on progress made in implementing interventions aimed at addressing the health, compensation and social protection needs of ex-mineworkers and their dependents.
The committees noted the significant progress that has been made over the years in compensating former mineworkers suffering from occupational diseases contracted in the mining industry. According to the Department of Health, approximately R3.6 billion has been paid between 1980 and 2026 in compensation for compensable occupational diseases, including tuberculosis, silicosis, asbestos-related diseases, pneumoconiosis, obstructive airways disease and other mining-related illnesses.
At the same time, the committees expressed concern that approximately R7 billion in social protection benefits due to ex-mineworkers remains unclaimed or unpaid. This amount comprises R1.6 billion in compensation funds, R2.5 billion in class action funds and R3 billion in pension and provident funds. The committees stressed the importance of intensified efforts to trace beneficiaries and ensure that these funds reach their rightful recipients.
The committees welcomed ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the tracking and tracing of former mineworkers and their dependents, particularly those residing in rural communities and neighbouring countries. Members underscored the need for continued public awareness campaigns to ensure that affected individuals are informed about available support mechanisms and compensation processes.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, thanked the three departments for their comprehensive presentations and described the engagement as both informative and valuable.
“Today’s engagement has been informative, not only for the committees but also for the broader South African public, as these proceedings are broadcast and accessible through various platforms. The work being undertaken through the Ex-Mine Workers Intervention Project is critical in restoring dignity to former mineworkers and ensuring that they receive the benefits to which they are entitled,” said Mr Mahlaule.
The committees welcomed the proposal by officials involved in the project to involve Members of Parliament, committee support staff and Parliamentary Constituency Offices in the tracking and tracing process. To this end, the committees requested that engagements be initiated with committee secretariats to facilitate training and explore mechanisms for providing appropriate access to the Compensation Claims Management System.
The committees further resolved that during future constituency engagements, public hearings and oversight visits, advance notice should be provided to the relevant departments to enable outreach teams to participate and assist ex-mineworkers, beneficiaries and community members who may require support or information relating to compensation claims and benefits.
In addition, the committees agreed that joint quarterly engagements should be convened with all relevant departments and stakeholders. Mr Mahlaule said: “The next engagement should focus specifically on legislative gaps, coordination challenges and administrative bottlenecks affecting the implementation of interventions, with a view to identifying areas where Parliament can assist in accelerating service delivery.”
The committees encouraged former mineworkers and their families who may be entitled to compensation or other benefits to make use of available support channels. Information can be obtained by calling 080 100 0240 or 010 500 6186, or by sending a “Please Call Me” message to 072 557 8077.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES, MR MIKATEKO MAHLAULE.
For media inquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Justice Molafo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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