South Africa: Limpopo Asbestos Community Gets Health Screening After Resident's Death
[Health-e] Local chief's son was diagnosed with asbestosis before his death Mafefe residents say abandoned asbestos mines still poses health risk Government starts health screening, promises mine rehabilitation
A Limpopo village in South Africa is undergoing health screenings for asbestos-related illnesses following the death of a resident. Mafefe village residents have been exposed to asbestos-contaminated soil and water for decades due to abandoned mines that closed over three decades ago. 48-year-old Mampuru Thobejane passed away on April 18 from lung problems, with his father, Chief Setlamorago Thobejane, suspecting asbestos-related illness.
Mampuru's condition worsened, and he was admitted to Mediclinic Nelspruit Hospital in February, suffering severe pain and difficulty breathing. His death occurred three weeks before his wife gave birth to twins. The community has raised concerns about asbestos exposure for years, with recent tests confirming soil and water contamination.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi visited Mafefe and announced an Integrated Health Screening Programme, including screening for asbestos-related illnesses, TB, HIV, and diabetes. The program employs portable digital X-ray machines to screen people in remote villages, where asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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