EASTERN CAPE — More than R42 million in compensation and social security benefits has been successfully disbursed to Eastern Cape ex-mineworkers and their surviving beneficiaries. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane have officially welcomed this milestone, which was achieved through a targeted 41-day outreach programme that commenced on 13 July 2026 in Port St Johns.
Premier Mabuyane, drawing on his own background as a former mineworker, has championed the Ex-Mineworkers’ Programme in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). Operating under Project Ithubalethu, the initiative is designed to streamline access to unpaid compensation, statutory claims, and essential social security benefits for former miners and their dependents across the province.
To facilitate direct engagement and transparency, a comprehensive ex-mineworkers’ roundtable was convened at the Mthatha Health Resource Centre, situated within the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. The collaborative session featured key stakeholders, including the DEL, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, the Department of Health, the Ithubalethu Ex-Mine Workers’ Programme, the South African Ex-Mineworkers Council, Rand Mutual Assurance, and the South African Medical Association. Sihle Mlangeni, representing the Embassy of eSwatini’s Labour sector as part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) delegation, also participated in the proceedings to exchange information and review provincial progress.
During the Mthatha engagements, Minister Meth, Premier Mabuyane, and departmental leaders interacted directly with claimants. They assessed on-the-ground service delivery and supervised the processing of claims via mobile Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation Fund units deployed on-site. The outreach locations also provided integrated support services, including health screenings, work-seeker registration for beneficiaries, social security assistance from the Department of Social Development, and identity document processing by the Department of Home Affairs.
“Our priority remains clear: bringing stakeholders together, advancing justice for our workers, and delivering tangible results to vulnerable communities,” Minister Meth stated. She emphasized that the R42 million disbursement demonstrates a firm commitment to restoring dignity to ex-mineworkers who significantly contributed to the nation’s economic foundation.
Premier Mabuyane echoed this sentiment, highlighting the personal significance of the initiative and commending the partner teams for their diligence. He expressed deep appreciation for the officials who went the extra mile to support communities in desperate need of livelihood resources, reinforcing the provincial government’s resolve to deliver restorative justice.
The Department of Employment and Labour confirmed that this initiative is a long-term, ongoing programme. Minister Meth noted that the 41-day marathon has yielded substantial progress, with R1.4 million paid out on the first day alone. She acknowledged the acute vulnerability of many claimants, noting that some are elderly and frail, while others are surviving beneficiaries who have lost spouses or parents to occupational diseases such as silicosis and tuberculosis.
The programme is set to continue nationwide. Former mineworkers and eligible dependents are strongly encouraged to visit their nearest Labour Centre or DEL service point to inquire, register, and process any unclaimed benefits. Mobile offices and specialized processing teams will maintain an active presence in targeted districts across the Eastern Cape to ensure all rightful claims are fulfilled efficiently.
