The Department of Health has urged former mine workers and their families to register for social security benefits related to occupational diseases, as part of a nationwide effort to address historic injustices in the mining sector.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD), aims to help eligible individuals access unclaimed compensation for work-related illnesses. It also ensures that the families of deceased miners can claim outstanding funds owed to them.

According to the department, the first phase of the registration campaign will be rolled out in the West Rand District, an area known to have a high concentration of former miners. Registration will include free medical screening to assess any occupational diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis (TB), and hearing loss—common among mine workers due to prolonged exposure to hazardous environments.

Eligible ex-mine workers are advised to bring relevant documents when registering. These include a national identity document, any paperwork received from previous mining employers, and the traditional “Makhulu-skop” or mineworker’s identity card, which was historically used in the mining industry.

Data from the MBOD shows that more than 2,000 ex-mine workers in the West Rand alone have yet to claim their benefits. Across Gauteng, an additional 7,500 individuals are believed to be unregistered, with many unaware of their entitlements or how to claim them.

The Department of Health believes this programme is a critical step in righting past wrongs, particularly for workers who left the mining sector without fair compensation or access to appropriate healthcare.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, emphasised the importance of the initiative:
“Mining built this country’s economy, yet thousands of ex-mine workers were left without proper health care or financial support. This programme seeks to change that by ensuring they receive the assistance they rightfully deserve.”

She added that the department is working closely with community leaders and local organisations to ensure that information about the programme reaches as many affected individuals as possible.

The campaign will expand to other provinces in the coming months, targeting former miners and their families who may still be unaware of their right to claim.