​An 85-year-old ex-mine worker who lives in Westonaria in the West Rand is expecting to receive his social security benefits from the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD) after testing positive for silicosis during his time working in the mines. 
The ex-miner who cannot be identified for their own safety started working in the mines in 1958 and stopped in 1998. During the years working underground, he contracted silicosis, a lung disease which is caused by breathing in fine particles of crystalline silica and mostly affects people who work in construction and mines. 
Already, the 85-year-old had received a sum of money from the Tshiamiso Trust a few years ago after testing positive. However, due to the collaboration and sharing of medical records with all stakeholders involved, he will be compensated once more for contracting silicosis. 
Just like the elderly and now frail man, many others will receive similar benefits if they are found to have have contracted occupational diseases such as silicosis and tuberculosis.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) in partnership with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and other stakeholders this week (5 – 9 May) conducted the medical assessment phase of the Ex-Mine Workers Outreach Programme in an effort to trace and assist ex-mine workers who may be eligible for social security benefits. 
The week-long medical examinations saw a total of 668 people including ex-miners and beneficiaries of deceased ex-miners. Out of these, 517 MBOD claims were registered, 79 Tshiamiso Trust benefits were lodged, 539 conducted medical examinations, while 38 people awaiting benefits had their information updated on their phone applications. 
Moses Hlakuli from the CCOD said that the outreach campaign has ensured that many ex-miners and their beneficiaries get what is due to them. "In most cases many people who used to work at the mines are not aware that they have benefits that are due to them. You will find out that a person was examined while they were working at the mines and were not aware that they were found to have silicosis, and 10 years down the line, through such programmes they are able to get their benefits," said Hlakuli. 
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Wednesday, 07 May 2025 visited Carletonville Hospital to assess progress in the ongoing medical assessment phase and engaged with the stakeholders involved to make this initiative possible and ex miners who were queuing to get assessed. 
"We are delighted to see the medical examination process going smoothly.  The medical examinations are a key requirement for confirming eligibility for compensation and continued healthcare services. As government we are commitment to restoring dignity to former mineworkers," said the MEC.
After completion in the West Rand, the programme will be extended to other regions in Gauteng. For more information regarding eligibility and the registration process, ex-mine workers and their dependents can contact the MBOD Call Centre at 080 1000 240.