TSHIAMISO Trust is set to provide compensation to former mineworkers in Zimbabwe who have suffered permanent lung impairment due to silicosis or work-related tuberculosis (TB).
The Trust, established to give effect to a historic class action settlement between six mining companies and claimant attorneys, is seeking qualified service providers in Zimbabwe to assist in the compensation process.
After productive discussions with the Zimbabwean government, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is expected to be signed soon, paving the way for compensation claims to be processed. This marks a crucial step forward in providing justice to ex-Wenela mineworkers and their families, many of whom have waited years for redress.
“We’re excited to announce that we are now commencing the process of sourcing local service providers to establish crucial services in Zimbabwe,” Dr. Munyadziwa Kwinda, CEO of the Tshiamiso Trust explained.
“These services will ensure that ex-Wenela mineworkers and their families have access to the support they deserve, streamlining the claims process and providing essential medical assessments.”
The Tshiamiso Trust has already paid out over $100 million in compensation to 19,000 beneficiaries in South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Eswatini since its operations began in 2021.
Now, the Trust is turning its attention to Zimbabwe, where it is seeking service providers to offer claim lodgment facilities and benefit medical examinations (BMEs).
The claim lodgment facilities will provide a centralized location for claimants to submit documents, undergo biometric verification, and receive guidance on the claims process.
The BMEs, meanwhile, will conduct thorough medical assessments to determine eligibility for compensation based on the severity of lung impairment caused by high exposure to silica dust.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of these medical examinations, the Trust has set strict requirements for service providers, including qualifications, registration, and experience in diagnosing occupational lung diseases.
The facilities must also be equipped to conduct digital chest X-rays, vital screening, and physical examinations, among other tests.
“It is crucial that we find the correct service providers,” Dr. Kwinda emphasized.
“We have set an ambitious procurement timeline so that services can be enabled as quickly as possible, and we look forward to working with qualified Zimbabwean service providers to make this happen.”
Interested parties are encouraged to review the requirements set out in the Request for Proposals document, available on the Tshiamiso Trust website, and register for a mandatory online briefing on 04 October ahead of the proposal deadline on 18 October.
This development marks a significant step forward in the quest for justice and compensation for Zimbabwean mineworkers who have suffered the devastating effects of silicosis and TB.
As the Tshiamiso Trust expands its reach into Zimbabwe, it brings hope to thousands of families who have waited far too long for recognition and redress.
