DYING MINERS BETRAYED: Half-Billion Rand “Relief” Trust ABANDONS Victims as Clock Runs Out
They were told help was coming. Now, they’re being told to DIE QUIETLY.
In Mpumalanga, former asbestos miners and their grieving families are screaming into a void. The Asbestos Relief Trust, established with a massive R500 million fund to compensate them, has effectively VANISHED from the province, leaving a trail of death certificates and broken promises.
“People are worried,” says representative Derrick Shongwe. Claims are IGNORED. Evidence of loved ones dying from mine dust is MET WITH SILENCE. Shongwe possesses documents THE CITIZEN has seen—proof of deaths, proof of pleas, proof of NOTHING being done.
Here’s the chilling reality: The trust’s own 2024 report shows R465 million paid out, but a COOL R190 MILLION still sits in the bank. Meanwhile, out of 100 claims in Mpumalanga, only 26 people were paid. Payments of R50,000-R70,000 had MYSTERIOUS R15,000 deductions. Women who washed the poisoned clothes? EXCLUDED. Children of the dead? TOLD THEY’RE TOO LATE.
Trust Chair Connie Molusi hides behind cold legalisms: “183 were not compensable.” “1,233 had no asbestos-related disease.” “A dependant claim had to be submitted within three years.” They demand post-mortem reports from impoverished families and cite a trust deed that expires in 2028. The message is clear: DRAG YOUR FEET UNTIL THE VICTIMS ARE ALL GONE.
This isn’t bureaucracy; it’s a calculated DISAPPEARANCE of liability. Billions were made from asbestos. A fraction was set aside for the ruined lives left behind. Now, the guardians of that fund are letting the clock run out, hoping the last cries for justice will be buried with the victims.
They left these people to breathe poison. Now, they’re leaving them to die without a cent.
Edited for Kayitsi.com
Author: Kayitsi.com
