Former Zimbabwean mineworkers who developed permanent lung damage from silicosis or work-related tuberculosis (TB) after working in South African gold mines are now set to access compensation locally, following the official launch of Tshiamiso Trust services in Zimbabwe, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The announcement coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tshiamiso Trust, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and the Government of Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.
The agreement formalises cooperation to ensure that eligible former mineworkers and their dependents can access compensation they may qualify for.
The Tshiamiso Trust was established in South Africa to compensate former mineworkers across Southern Africa who contracted silicosis or TB while working in qualifying gold mines between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019.
The mines covered under the settlement include operations formerly owned by African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony Gold, and Sibanye-Stillwater.
Following a competitive Request for Proposals process, Baines Occupational Health Services was appointed in November 2024 as the accredited service provider to handle both lodgement and Benefit Medical Examination (BME) services in Zimbabwe.
From November 2025, Baines clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo will begin assisting claimants.
Tshiamiso Trust Chief Executive Officer, Dr Munyadziwa Kwinda, said the launch of these services in Zimbabwe represents a key milestone in the Trust’s regional mission to reach all eligible claimants.
“We are honoured to mark this moment in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and NSSA. Thousands of Zimbabwean ex-mineworkers have been waiting for Tshiamiso Trust services to commence so that they can access compensation that they may qualify for. Today’s agreement means they can now lodge their claims and complete the medical assessments required to determine their eligibility for compensation. This is about restoring dignity and delivering on the promise made to the men and families who built the mining industry,” said Dr Kwinda.
NSSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Charles Shava, welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important step in extending social protection to former mineworkers and their families.
“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. NSSA remains committed to working with regional partners like Tshiamiso Trust to expand social security and strengthen cross-border protection for our workers,” said Dr Shava.
How to Lodge a Claim
From November 2025, eligible claimants will be able to lodge new claims and complete BMEs at Baines Occupational Health Services clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo. They can also update contact details or confirm eligibility status via the Tshiamiso Trust call centre or WhatsApp service.
To qualify, former mineworkers must have carried out risk work at one of the qualifying South African gold mines during the qualifying periods between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019, as outlined in Schedule F of the Trust Deed.
Living mineworkers must have permanent lung impairment from silicosis or TB contracted while doing risk work at these mines.
Those who completed less than five years of qualifying risk work will be required to pay R1,900 for the Benefit Medical Examination (BME), which will be reimbursed if they are found to have an eligible claim. Mineworkers who worked for more than five years in risk areas will receive a free BME.
For deceased mineworkers, claims can be made if there is evidence that they died from work-related TB within a year of leaving the mine, or that they had silicosis if they died between 1 January 2008 and 10 December 2019.
“These are the broad eligibility criteria. Claims are assessed thoroughly, following what is prescribed by the Trust Deed, and specific criteria apply to each of the ten categories available for compensation,” explained Dr. Kwinda.
One-Time Compensation and Caution on Fraud
The Trust has clarified that compensation is a one-time payment. Once eligible claimants receive their payout, they cannot make further claims even if their condition worsens. However, if a claimant is initially deemed ineligible but later develops silicosis symptoms, they are allowed to lodge one further claim.
The Tshiamiso Trust has also warned claimants to be cautious of individuals impersonating its officials or promising to expedite payments. It emphasised that only the Tshiamiso Trust can process claims and that the service is free, apart from the refundable BME fee applicable in some cases.
Quick Guide: How to Make a Claim
Check if you qualify:
- You must have worked in a qualifying South African gold mine between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019.
- You must have developed silicosis or work-related TB from exposure while performing risk work.
Gather supporting documents:
- Proof of employment (industry number, service record, or payslips if available).
- Medical or death records showing lung disease caused by mining work.
Book an appointment:
Visit a Baines Occupational Health Services clinic in Harare, Bulawayo, or Gweru for your Benefit Medical Examination (BME).
Pay or confirm BME fees:
- R1,900 applies if you worked less than five years in risk work (refundable if eligible).
- Free if you worked more than five years.
Submit your claim:
Lodge through the clinic or contact Tshiamiso Trust directly via call, WhatsApp, or email.
Await assessment:
Claims are reviewed under the Trust Deed, with compensation awarded based on the specific eligibility category.
Beware of fraudsters:
Tshiamiso Trust services are free of charge. Only contact official numbers or verified platforms listed above.
