Gauteng Launches Health Drive to Support Ex-Mineworkers With Medical Assessments

The Gauteng Department of Health has launched a proactive medical assessment campaign to support former mineworkers suffering from occupational diseases. This initiative started in the West Rand District and aims to identify work-related illnesses. It also aims to connect ex-mineworkers with the healthcare and social security benefits they deserve.

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Gauteng Takes the Lead in Mining Health Redress

Working alongside the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and other key partners, the department has prioritized tracing and evaluating ex-mineworkers who may have developed illnesses such as silicosis, tuberculosis, and other respiratory conditions during their time in the mining industry.

Chief Director and leader of the outreach programme, Siyabonga Jikwana, confirmed that assessments began at Carletonville Hospital and will continue across the province. “We started in the West Rand with a group of 350 ex-mineworkers as a pilot, but we’re not stopping there,” said Jikwana. “We’re expanding this service to reach ex-mineworkers in the Vaal, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane districts.”

Carletonville Hospital Launches Health Checks

Carletonville Hospital served as the starting point for the programme, screening hundreds of ex-mineworkers who are often overlooked in South Africa’s healthcare system. Many of these individuals left the mines years ago without ever receiving proper medical follow-up. The department aims to change that by offering on-site medical evaluations and referrals for further treatment.

By actively reaching out to communities, Gauteng Health is making it easier for ex-mineworkers to access critical support services. These health checks focus on identifying chronic respiratory illnesses and other occupational diseases so that affected individuals can apply for compensation and ongoing care through the Compensation Fund for Occupational Diseases.

Gauteng Addressing a Long-Standing Health Crisis

Mining has fueled South Africa’s economy for over a century, but its workforce has paid a heavy price. Thousands of former mineworkers live with long-term health conditions caused by prolonged exposure to mine dust, chemicals, and poor ventilation. For years, many of them have suffered in silence, unable to claim the benefits they earned through hard labor.

Gauteng’s new programme seeks to change that narrative. Instead of waiting for patients to come forward, the Department of Health is taking a hands-on approach—mobilising outreach teams and working with community organisations to find ex-mineworkers who need help.

Creating a Sustainable Model for National Rollout

Jikwana says the programme is designed to be long-term. “This is not a once-off campaign. We are building a sustainable framework to continue serving ex-mineworkers across all districts of Gauteng.”

The department plans to use lessons from the pilot in the West Rand to strengthen outreach efforts and scale up services in other areas. Officials are also exploring ways to integrate the programme into broader provincial healthcare planning, ensuring that no eligible former mineworker falls through the cracks.

Partnerships Drive the Programme Forward

The success of this initiative relies heavily on partnerships. The MBOD plays a critical role by certifying occupational illnesses and helping mineworkers access compensation. Local clinics and community leaders are also stepping in to spread awareness and assist with recruitment.

“By working together, we’re restoring dignity to people who built this country’s economy from underground,” Jikwana said.

How Ex-Mineworkers Can Get Involved

Ex-mineworkers who suspect they may have an occupational illness should visit Carletonville Hospital or contact their local clinic for more information. As the programme expands, outreach teams will visit various communities to conduct on-site screenings and gather relevant medical histories.

The Gauteng Department of Health urges former mineworkers and their families to take advantage of this opportunity. With improved access to medical evaluations, financial support, and long-term care, this programme offers hope and healing to those who once powered South Africa’s mines.