Ray of hope at last for embattled ex-miners

. . . as association partners clinic for post-mortem reports

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU — The plight of ex-miners’ families continues unabated as they struggle to access compensation funds, primarily due to the unavailability of crucial post-mortem reports.  This was the central concern raised during a press conference held by the Ex-Miners Association on Tuesday in Maseru.

The association is now seeking to address these issues in collaboration with health services to ensure that families of deceased miners can finally receive the financial support they are entitled to. Rantšo Mantsi, the head of the Ex-Miners Association, addressed the media with a grave tone, highlighting the ongoing difficulties faced by families who have lost loved ones who once worked in the mines.

He explained that despite years of fighting for justice, the problem of obtaining post-mortem reports remains a significant hurdle for many families. This lack of documentation has left countless dependents in financial limbo, unable to access compensation meant to support them after the loss of their breadwinners. Mantsi announced that as part of their efforts to mitigate this long-standing issue, the Ex-Miners Association has entered into a partnership with the Family Health Clinic.

This partnership aims to streamline the process of acquiring post-mortem reports by providing direct services to families of former miners. The Family Health Clinic, which is headquartered in Maputsoe, Leribe, is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that these families receive the necessary medical documentation to support their compensation claims. “We cannot continue to allow these families to suffer in silence. The lack of post-mortem reports is a major obstacle, and we are committed to removing this barrier. Our partnership with the Family Health Clinic will ensure that families of deceased miners have access to these critical services,” said Mantsi.

He emphasised the need for families and ex-miners to reach out to the association for assistance.  “We are here to help. We urge families and miners themselves to contact us so that we can guide them through this process and ensure they receive the support they deserve.” Mantsi also raised concerns about the lack of financial literacy training provided to ex-miners when they receive their benefits. “It is dangerous to give someone a large sum of money without equipping them with the knowledge to manage it properly. We are pushing for a system where ex-miners are handled by one body that can provide not only their compensation but also the necessary financial education to ensure that their money lasts.”

The lack of essential documents, such as medical records and post-mortem reports, has been a persistent problem. Mantsi expressed hope that their new partnership with health clinics would finally bring an end to these challenges.  “By working together, we can ensure that these vital documents are readily available and that families do not have to suffer any longer.”

The issue of post-mortem reports is not new. In July, during a meeting with the Social Cluster Committee in Parliament, Principal Liaison Officer in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mpinane Mosopha, highlighted the complications caused by Lesotho’s death certificates, which often only state “natural causes” without specifying the exact cause of death. This lack of detail has made it difficult for the dependents of deceased miners to file claims, as they cannot prove that their loved ones’ deaths were related to their time spent working in the mines.

In some cases, Mosopha noted, there are no medical professionals available to issue or verify medical reports for the deceased. This further complicates the claims process and creates a substantial barrier for the Tshiamiso Trust, which manages these compensation claims.

Leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe, who has been actively involved in these discussions, called for financial support from Tshiamiso to help mobilise claimants. He stressed the importance of involving local chiefs and ex-miners’ associations in the process.

“We need to incentivise chiefs to assist in this process. Without their support, it will be difficult to reach everyone who is entitled to compensation.”Mofomobe also urged the Lesotho government to amend death certificates to include the specific cause of death.

“This simple change would go a long way in helping ex-miners and their families receive the compensation they are owed,” he added.

Mantsi revealed that a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Tshiamiso and the Lesotho government is in progress. This agreement would formalise the government’s role in assisting ex-miners to access their benefits.

“We believe that this MoA will be a game-changer for the country. It will not only help ex-miners but also stimulate economic growth by ensuring that these funds are invested back into the local economy.”

The Tshiamiso Trust was established in 2020 to manage claims for mineworkers who contracted TB or Silicosis while working in specific gold mines. This followed a settlement agreement reached between six mining companies, including AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, and Sibanye Stillwater, and claimant attorneys.

Registered in 2005, the Ex-Miners Association has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of former mineworkers. The association’s mandate is to focus on improving the lives of those who once toiled in the mines, ensuring they receive the compensation and support they deserve.