Pretoria: The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), has concluded a long-running outreach programme aimed at assisting ex-mine workers and their families with benefits and compensation claims in the Eastern Cape. The outreach programme concluded at Mthatha Stadium on Friday, following engagements with ex-mine workers and beneficiaries seeking assistance with outstanding claims, occupational diseases, and other benefits.
According to South African Government News Agency, Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane also participated in an ex-mine workers round-table discussion at the Mthatha Health Resource Centre at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. The roundtable provided an opportunity for ex-mine workers, government, and other stakeholders to share experiences, exchange information, and report on progress made in processing benefits and compensation for former mine workers in the province.
Meth emphasized the programme's importance, noting the large numbers of ex-mine workers and their families who continue to seek assistance. She commended officials and government departments for their participation, highlighting the programme's elevation through an intensive marathon of outreach activities. Meth acknowledged the collaboration between the Office of the Premier, national and provincial Health, Social Development, and departmental entities and partners.
The Minister highlighted the efforts of the UIF and the Compensation Fund, along with their claims agent, Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA). On the first day of the outreach, 13 July 2026, the department paid claims amounting to R1.4 million, with total payments since exceeding R40 million to those in need. Meth pointed out that the ability to make on-the-spot payments has significantly benefited the outreach's effectiveness.
Meth also mentioned partnerships with financial institutions to facilitate beneficiaries' access to their payments, with FNB helping those without bank accounts to open new ones. She noted African Bank's role, which took over from New Bank, in providing banking services to beneficiaries. Additionally, interns assisted RMA by reinforcing the capacity needed to process claims, and the Department of Health and other partners provided essential medical services such as X-rays.
The outreach is part of the government's broader initiative to reach former mine workers and their families, particularly those who have faced challenges accessing compensation and other benefits due to occupational injuries and diseases.
