Labour calls on ex-miners to claim their benefits

Friday, June 1, 2018

The Department of Labour and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) have launched the long- awaited registration campaign of unclaimed benefits for ex-mineworkers in the Northern Cape, targeting Hartswater in Phokwane Local Municipality.

The campaign, which is aimed at ex-mineworkers who left employment in the mines prior to 1 April 2002,witnessed an impressive number of applicants from near and far.

“The number of applicants with the relevant documents was impressive and we look forward to more people coming for applications as the project continues to roll-out to other towns in the district.

"We plead with ex-mineworkers from other towns to remain patient as we intend to visit most towns in the Northern Cape,” said Labour Acting Chief Director: Provincial Operations, Emily Maneli.

This category of workers is further urged to come and make applications for unclaimed benefits from the UIF as the project continues next week in areas of Douglas and Barkley West.

All ex-mineworkers, who left their employment after 1 April 2002, will be assessed in line with the Unemployment Insurance Act of 2001 (as amended).

The Department of Labour, as the agent charged with the responsibility of tracing and paying ex-mineworkers, urges all potential applicants to bring along the following documents for verification:

•             Identity document

•             Access card (from previous mine employer)

•             IRP 5 (from the previous mine employer)

•             Old Blue card

•             Previous salary advice

•             Or any proof of mine employment (including “Makhulu’s kop” card, Dompas or TEBA record)

The registrations will be held as follows:

Date: 5 June 2018

Venue: Old Library Building (Douglas)

Time: 08:30 – 16:00

Date: 06 June 2018

Venue: De Beershoogte Community Hall (Barkley West)

Time: 08:30 – 16:00

This registration is done in line with the Peoples’ Assembly, which was held in Mbizana, Eastern Cape. A motion was tabled in the National Assembly on 19 September 2007 for Parliament to establish a committee that will look at the issues of ex-mineworkers.

The campaign will reach the John Taolo Gaetsewe District in the next quarter as it continues to spread to other parts of the province. – SAnews.gov.za