Former mineworkers challenge Tshiamiso Trust in compensation dispute
The Tshiamiso Trust says historical certificates are not invalid but must meet the medical requirements set out in its settlement deed.
Former mineworkers are contesting the Tshiamiso Trust's compensation process in a growing dispute over medical proof. The Justice for Miners (JFM) advocacy group has urged the national health department to step in, questioning whether MBOD medical records should be enough proof of illness for the Tshiamiso Trust to award compensation.
The trust, which administers a R5 billion settlement for miners with TB and silicosis, has refused to accept MBOD certificates as proof of illness, despite mining companies previously using the same certificates to retrench ill workers. JFM spokesperson Catherine Meyburgh argues that the trust should recognize MBOD certificates and pay all miners immediately to avoid delays and reduce administrative costs.
However, the trust CEO, Dr. Munyadziwa Kwinda, maintains that the historical ODMWA certificates are not invalid and that the trust assesses medical evidence according to the specific diagnostic standards set in the class action settlement. One mineworker, who has been paralyzed by TB, claims his medical record was overlooked during the assessment, and he received only R70,000 from the trust.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
