Category: MIL-OSI

The work of a science writer is far more complex than just explaining difficult terminology to citizens in a simple manner. It also extends to sparking conversations that enable citizens to understand, question and engage with science in their everyday lives.

“A science communicator helps to close the gap between science and society. The work involves translating complex scientific information and technical jargon into language and formats that different audiences can understand, relate to and use.

“However, it is not simply about making scientific language easier. It also requires understanding the audience: what people already know, what concerns them, which languages and communication platforms they use, and how science connects with their everyday lives,” Dr Anton Binneman said in an interview with SAnews.

Dr Binneman is the Manager: Science Communication at the National Research Foundation’s South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA). The agency is a unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and advances public engagement with science, engineering and technology in South Africa.

This, as South Africa, as of this July, began commemorating National Science Month (NSM), which Deputy Minister of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Dr Nomalungelo Gina, launched on 4 July 2026.

At the launch held at the Vaal University of Technology in Sebokeng, the Deputy Minister said the transition from National Science Week, which has been observed since 2000, to a month-long commemoration reflects the government’s recognition of the increasingly important role of science, technology and innovation in addressing complex global and national challenges.

Binneman’s comments on the use of science in everyday life echo the theme of the inaugural NSM of “Science, Technology and Innovation are for everyone.”

“Science communicators may work through radio, television, newspapers, digital media, social media, exhibitions, public dialogues, schools, museums, and community engagement programmes.

“We also work closely with scientists, journalists, policymakers, educators and communities to ensure that scientific information is accurate, relevant and accessible. The ultimate objective is not merely to tell people what science says. It is to contribute to a society in which people can ask informed questions, assess evidence, form their own opinions and participate critically in discussions about science, technology and innovation,” Dr Binneman explained.

Rationale
He added that at the launch of the 2025 National Science Week, the Minister of the Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, announced that the National Science Week programme would be expanded into the National Science Month from 2026. The initial flagship initiative was concentrated in selected provinces.

“The move from one week to a full month provides more time and space for universities, science councils, government departments, businesses, schools, scientists and community organisations to participate. It also allows us to address a broader range of subjects and reach communities that may not previously have had opportunities to participate in science engagement activities. 

“It includes public lectures, community engagements, exhibitions, science tours, expert discussions, school activities and media engagements across themes such as health, climate change, technology, space science, education, human rights and indigenous knowledge systems,” Dr Binneman explained.

Participatory approach
Asked how the public is responding to the initiative, Dr Binneman said while it is still early days, the “initial response has been encouraging.”

“Organisations throughout the National System of Innovation are organising activities. Members of the public are being invited not only to attend formal events but also to initiate their own science-related conversations and activities.”

He added that the participatory approach is important because the success of National Science Month should not be measured only by the number of events but also by whether people begin to recognise that science is part of their lives and that they have a place in conversations about it.

Misconceptions and world-class capabilities
He is of the view that much about science involves on uncertainty, debate and even disagreement at times.

“Science is sometimes presented as a collection of fixed facts produced by exceptionally intelligent people working alone. In reality, science is a systematic process of asking questions, testing explanations, reviewing evidence and correcting mistakes,” he said.

While scientists do not always agree on issues, this is not necessarily a weakness.

Constructive disagreement, peer review and the ability to revise conclusions when better evidence becomes available are among the strengths of science. People might also be surprised by how much South African science contributes internationally. Our country has world-class research capabilities in areas such as astronomy, biodiversity, health, paleoscience, climate research, nuclear science and space weather.

“Facilities such as MeerKAT, the Southern African Large Telescope, iThemba LABS, and the South African National Space Agency’s Space Weather Centre demonstrate that South Africa is not merely consuming scientific knowledge produced elsewhere; we are helping to produce knowledge of global significance,” he explained.

Asked about the major misconceptions about science among the South African public, Dr Binneman said one misconception is that science belongs only to scientists, universities and laboratories.

“Science is present in agriculture, healthcare, water management, transport, communication, food preparation, construction and many of the decisions people make every day,” he said.

A second misconception he points to is that science is simply a school subject that some are “good at” and others are  not, adding that scientific thinking is broader than academic performance.

“It includes curiosity, observation, questioning, comparing evidence and being willing to change one’s mind. Another misconception is that science always provides immediate, absolute and final answers. Scientific knowledge develops over time. Researchers often work with probabilities, limitations and incomplete evidence.”

He also explained that when scientific advice changes due to the emergence of new evidence, some people interpret this as proof that science cannot be trusted.

“In fact, the capacity to correct itself is one of science’s most important characteristics. There is also sometimes a perception that modern science and indigenous knowledge systems must be in opposition. These are different knowledge traditions, with different methods and contexts, but meaningful dialogue between them is possible.

“South Africa’s knowledge landscape is richer when communities are not treated only as recipients of scientific information but are recognised as participants who possess knowledge, experience and questions of their own,” said Dr Binneman.

Communicating efficiently
Given that scientific information is often complex, specialised and surrounded by uncertainty, science communicators have to preserve scientific accuracy while making the content understandable.

“If we simplify too much, we may distort the science. If we retain too much technical detail, we may lose the audience. It becomes even more challenging when the science is linked to people’s livelihoods, identities, histories, or concerns about government and institutions.

“In those situations, communication cannot be approached simply as the transmission of information. It requires listening, empathy and an understanding that people may interpret the same scientific development very differently.”

He explained that he has experienced moments when he questioned whether he was sufficiently equipped for the task at hand.

“During my work associated with the Square Kilometre Array [SKA] project in the Northern Cape, I encountered communities with legitimate concerns about land, employment, development, and the long-term implications of a major scientific infrastructure project. I realised that knowing the science and communicating its benefits were not enough. I also had to understand the social context, acknowledge competing narratives, and create space for people to speak.”

The SKA project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope aimed at enabling astronomers to monitor the sky in unprecedented detail.  

He added that those experiences did not make him less confident in the value of science communication.
“They made me a better practitioner. They taught me that science communication is not about having every answer. It is about being willing to listen, being honest about uncertainty, and facilitating a meaningful conversation between scientific institutions and society,” he said.

On how science shapes his world, Dr Binneman said science encourages him to remain curious and to avoid accepting easy explanations without examining the evidence.

“It reminds me that the world is complex and that our first interpretation of a problem is not always the correct one. At the same time, working in science communication has taught me that evidence alone does not explain how people understand the world,” he said, adding that history, culture, identity, personal experience and trust also influence how people interpret scientific information.

“My view of the world is shaped by both scientific inquiry and human experience. Science has also made me more comfortable with uncertainty. Not knowing something is not a failure; it is the beginning of a question.

“I believe that attitude is particularly valuable in public service. We should make decisions using the best available evidence, remain transparent about what we do not yet know, and be willing to adjust our approaches when the evidence changes,” he explained.

Public Service Month
With South Africa due to mark Public Service Month (PSM) in September, Dr Binneman is of the view that the country has many talented science communicators, journalists, researchers, and engagement practitioners but does not yet have enough people with the specialised competencies required to communicate the full breadth of scientific work taking place across the country.

The challenge lies not only in the number of practitioners but also in considering where they are located, which communities and languages they can reach, their access to media platforms and whether they receive sufficient institutional support.

“Much of South Africa’s science communication remains concentrated in major institutions and urban centres, while communities in rural areas may have fewer opportunities to engage directly with scientists and scientific organisations.”

He said a coordinated approach to professional development is a need.

“Science communication should be recognised as a specialised field requiring competencies in scientific literacy, audience research, journalism, digital communication, ethics, public engagement, cultural awareness, multilingual communication and evaluation.”

He said that there are several possible entry routes into the profession and that people may come from the science field, journalism, communication, education, or the social sciences.
He added that some universities offer qualifications or modules in science communication.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, through the NRF-SAASTA, also supports a postgraduate diploma in science communication to enable graduates to develop these specialised skills.

However, qualifications alone will not be sufficient. Other important interventions include workplace-based learning, internships, mentorship, opportunities for journalists to specialise in science, stronger relationships between scientists and the media, and continuous professional development for both researchers and communicators.

“Scientists should also receive support to communicate their own work more effectively. Particular attention should be given to developing communicators who can work in South Africa’s indigenous languages and who understand local contexts.

“People should not have to encounter science only in highly technical English. Language affects access, trust and the ability to participate meaningfully,” he explained.

He added that government institutions and publicly funded research organisations also have a responsibility to make communication part of the research and innovation process rather than treating it as an activity that takes place only after the work has been completed.

PSM serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities with public servants called to recommit themselves to belong, to care, and to serve the people.

“Publicly funded science should be communicated back to the public in ways that demonstrate its relevance, limitations, and value. Ultimately, South Africa needs more than people who can promote scientific achievements.

“We need practitioners who can facilitate difficult conversations, communicate uncertainty, counter misinformation, listen to communities and help citizens understand how science relates to public policy and their everyday lives,” he said.

According to Dr Binneman, that capacity is essential for building a capable public service, strengthening confidence in public institutions and developing a more scientifically engaged society.
The programme for National Science Month can be accessed on: https://www.saasta.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/NSM_2026_NATIONAL_PROGRAMME_with-cover-page.pdf
–SAnews.gov.za 
 

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The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has vaccinated more than one million cattle against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), marking a significant milestone in the province’s efforts to contain the outbreak and protect its livestock industry.

The mass vaccination campaign, which commenced in early March 2026, forms part of the national intervention to curb the spread of FMD by vaccinating cattle herds across affected provinces.

According to the department, 1 032 615 cattle have been vaccinated as of 19 July 2026, placing North West among the leading provinces implementing the national FMD vaccination programme.

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha said the province has now achieved approximately 74% vaccination coverage of its estimated cattle population and remains on track to reach its target of 80% by the end of August 2026 – a critical threshold for establishing herd immunity.

Sambatha commended veterinary professionals, animal health technicians and support staff for their dedication in reaching this important milestone.

He also extended his appreciation to Veterinary Services, including livestock farmers, organised agriculture, industry stakeholders, and every individual who has contributed to the success of the vaccination drive.

“Reaching more than one million vaccinated cattle is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the commitment, professionalism, and hard work of our veterinary teams, who have worked tirelessly across all four districts of the province.

“This milestone brings us closer to our goal of vaccinating at least 80% of the provincial herd by the end of August and, ultimately, every eligible animal in the province,” Sambatha said.

While welcoming the achievement, the MEC warned against complacency, saying the vaccination campaign is entering a critical phase.

“This is not the finish line; it is an important step in a much longer journey towards controlling and eventually eradicating the disease. This achievement does not mean that officials or farmers can relax.

“We have completed a significant portion of the first round of vaccinations, but once this phase is concluded, we must return to administer a second dose to all vaccinated animals. Full protection depends on completing the vaccination schedule,” the MEC said.

Sambatha said vaccination activities are continuing in affected and high-risk areas to maximise coverage and protect the provincial herd. He urged farmers to continue adhering to strict biosecurity measures and ensure that all eligible animals are presented for vaccination.

The department reiterated its commitment to working closely with livestock farmers, organised agriculture, traditional leaders and all stakeholders to safeguard animal health, protect the agricultural economy and secure the future of the province’s livestock industry. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Dr Jack Bloom, has called on South Africans to play an active role in protecting and restoring the country’s water resources.

Bloom made the call during the launch at the 2026 Clear Rivers Campaign at the Apies River in Pretoria North on Monday.

The campaign forms part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s ongoing commitment to restore South Africa’s rivers, protect the country’s scarce freshwater resources and strengthen water security for current and future generations.

Held during Mandela Month, under the theme: “South Africa is a water-scarce country Clean up and protect our water resources”, the campaign brought together representatives from national, provincial and local government, State-owned entities, environmental organisations, schools, the private sector, community-based organisations, and volunteers in a united effort to rehabilitate one of Gauteng’s most polluted rivers.

The launch also forms part of the department’s nationwide initiative encouraging citizens to dedicate their 67 minutes of service to cleaning rivers, wetlands, streams, canals, dams, and other freshwater ecosystems while promoting environmental stewardship, and responsible water resource management.

Delivering the keynote address, Bloom said the campaign aims to strengthen environmental awareness, encourage volunteerism and inspire active citizen participation in protecting South Africa’s limited freshwater resources.

“Our rivers are the lifeblood of our communities, our economy and our ecosystems. Their protection cannot be left to government alone. Every South African has a responsibility to prevent pollution, report illegal dumping and become an active custodian of our water resources,” Bloom said.

Bloom emphasised that while community clean-up campaigns play an important role in restoring rivers, he warned that they address only the visible effects of pollution. Sustainable improvements, he said, require tackling the root causes, including illegal dumping, deteriorating wastewater infrastructure and the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers.

Referring to the Apies River, the Deputy Minister said years of sewage spills, industrial pollution and urban waste have severely degraded the river, making it unsafe for human contact while threatening biodiversity, livelihoods, and surrounding ecosystems.

Bloom also highlighted findings from the 2025 Green Drop Report, which revealed that nearly half of South Africa’s municipal wastewater treatment systems are in a critical state.

To strengthen accountability and improve compliance, he said the department is establishing a National Polluters Register to identify polluters and ensure they are held accountable for contaminating the country’s water resources.

Earlier, Acting Deputy Director-General for Water Resources Management, Dr Moloko Matlala, described the Apies River as a historically significant water resource that continues to support communities, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.

Matlala encouraged communities to participate in the department’s Adopt-a-River Programme, which enables citizens to monitor river health through citizen science initiatives, such as the mini Stream Assessment Scoring System (miniSASS), while promoting community ownership and sustainable river management.

He also acknowledged the work of the Environmental Warriors, led by citizen scientist Noloyiso Mbiza, whose volunteers have been conducting regular clean-up activities along the Apies River since 2023.

Representatives from Plastics SA, Rand Water, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the City of Tshwane and other environmental partners, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on river conservation, environmental education, and responsible waste management.

One of the highlights of the event was an address by a nine-year-old learner from Laerskool Akasia, representing the Environmental Warriors, who encouraged young people to become environmental ambassadors and reminded participants that protecting rivers begins with individual responsibility.

Following the launch, the Deputy Minister, government officials, community members, youth volunteers, and environmental partners participated in a clean-up operation, removing litter and debris from the riverbanks, a low-water bridge and sections of the river channel.

The department expressed sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, including the City of Tshwane, Rand Water, Plastics SA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, schools, community organisations, and volunteers for supporting the campaign.

It reiterated its call on communities, businesses, schools, and civil society organisations to adopt rivers in their local areas, report pollution, participate in regular clean-up campaigns and promote responsible environmental practices throughout the year. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the R326 million freezing order granted by the Gauteng High Court demonstrates government’s determination to ensure that criminals are stripped of their illegal gains.

The order authorises the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit to seize assets belonging to the alleged members of the Maumela syndicate implicated in the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital looting scandal.

Assets forfeited include high end residential property in affluent areas and luxury vehicles.

“This significant outcome follows an extensive forensic investigation and a review of Tembisa Hospital’s Basic Accounting System by the Specialised Audit Services Unit of the National Treasury, into alleged tender fraud and corruption at Tembisa Hospital.

“The investigation was initiated following information provided by the late Babita Deokaran, whose dedication to accountability came at a great personal cost. May her Soul Rest in Peace.

“Minister Kubayi stated that this order demonstrates governments commitment to ensuring that we deprive criminals of ill-gotten wealth, which in many cases is used to hide their crimes, escape accountability and fight against the State,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its nationwide fight against organised crime, arresting more than 17 500 suspects during its latest high-density Shanela operations conducted between 13 and 19 July 2026.

The week-long operations targeted violent crime, drug trafficking, illegal firearms, illicit trade, immigration offences and wanted suspects, resulting in the arrest of 17 583 people for various crimes across the country.

“In just seven days, 17 583 suspects were arrested for various offences. In addition, detectives traced and arrested 1 777 wanted criminals linked to violent offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjackings, illegal possession of firearms, house and business robberies,” SAPS said in a statement.

Illegal immigration enforcement

Police also stepped up the enforcement of immigration laws, arresting 3 622 illegal migrants in operations conducted across the country.

The Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests, with 1 484, followed by Gauteng with 1 257.

According to SAPS, the operations form part of ongoing efforts to enforce the Immigration Act and dismantle criminal networks linked to illegal immigration.

Millions of rands worth of illicit goods seized

The operations also dealt a significant blow to illicit trade and counterfeit goods.

In the Western Cape, a joint operation involving SAPS, the Western Cape Liquor Board and the SARS Customs Unit seized illicit liquor worth an estimated R12 million in Stellenbosch on 16 July.

In Gauteng, the Provincial Counterfeit Unit confiscated contraband and counterfeit goods valued at R5 million during a three-day enforcement operation.

Meanwhile, in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, police intercepted a truck transporting illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R1.9 million and arrested a 45-year-old suspect.

Drug trafficking remains a key focus

SAPS also intensified its campaign against drug-related crime, arresting 320 suspected drug dealers and 3 113 people for possession of drugs.

The Western Cape accounted for the highest number of drug possession arrests, with 1 800 suspects taken into custody.

In another major breakthrough, SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority secured a High Court preservation order on 19 July against a Rietfontein property linked to a R100 million crystal meth laboratory.

The order authorises the seizure and sale of the property, together with R27 800 in cash confiscated during a raid conducted in November 2024.

A Mexican national was previously arrested in connection with the operation, which police described as a significant blow against international drug syndicates.

Hundreds arrested for violent and serious crimes

Among those arrested during the week were:

• 156 suspects for murder.
• 99 for attempted murder.
• 147 for rape.
• 1 223 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
• 639 for the illegal dealing of liquor.
• 84 for illegal possession of firearms.
• 75 for illegal possession of ammunition.
• 586 for possession of dangerous weapons.
• 744 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police also confiscated 138 unlicensed firearms, including handguns, shotguns and rifles, seized 1 178 rounds of ammunition, recovered various types of drugs and traced 60 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

Provincial operations

Several provinces recorded significant breakthroughs during the week.

In the Free State, the Provincial Tracking Team rearrested 45-year-old Tshidiso Michael Mokhuane, who had been wanted for rape since 2020. He was apprehended in Bloemspruit on 15 July.

In the Eastern Cape, police arrested three suspects for murder and attempted murder following a mob justice incident in Soweto-on-Sea on 14 July that claimed two lives. In a separate operation in Lusikisiki, Crime Intelligence officers arrested a 35-year-old suspect found in possession of three homemade firearms.

In Gauteng, two suspects were arrested in Mamelodi East on 14 July for allegedly extorting residents by demanding payments for illegal electricity connections.

In a separate intelligence-led operation on 17 July, police arrested two suspects, aged 54 and 59, in Tembisa and Ivory Park in connection with ATM bombings. Officers seized two 9mm pistols, three magazines and 26 rounds of live ammunition.

Operation Dig Deep in the Northern Cape led to the arrest of four foreign nationals in Kuruman and Postmasburg, where controlled purchases and raids resulted in the seizure of mandrax and tik worth R15 000.

In Mpumalanga, police arrested a 44-year-old suspect in Bushbuckridge on 19 July in connection with the murder of a police sergeant and the attempted murder of a police constable. The officers had come under attack after responding to a domestic violence complaint the previous evening.

In the North West, a 52-year-old Lesotho migrant was arrested in Seraleng after being found in possession of dye-stained banknotes linked to ATM bombings.

In Limpopo, intelligence-driven operations in the Capricorn District led to several arrests and the recovery of stolen property. Four suspects were arrested following a business robbery at a lodge in Lebowakgomo, where police also recovered two pistols and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan aimed at supporting infrastructure reforms and boosting inclusive economic growth.

The loan, announced by National Treasury on Tuesday, is intended to help address infrastructure constraints that the government identifies as a major barrier to job creation, amid persistent challenges of low economic growth and high unemployment.

The financing will support reforms in the electricity, freight and logistics sectors, as well as efforts to address challenges in water and sanitation.

Treasury said the funding forms part of the government’s broader programme of structural reforms in the energy, logistics and water sectors, which it described as critical to laying the foundation for faster and more inclusive growth.

The fourth development policy loan under the partnership between South Africa and the World Bank is built around three key areas: strengthening energy competitiveness and security, upgrading freight transport services, and improving the delivery of water and sanitation services.

According to Treasury, these reforms are expected to contribute to economic growth and job creation.

The loan is valued at US$1.5 billion and has a 15-year maturity, including a three-year grace period. The interest rate is set at the six-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.35%.

Treasury said the financing terms are aligned with the National Treasury’s borrowing strategy, which seeks to maintain long-term debt sustainability and affordability by securing funding at the lowest possible cost.

It said the loan’s favourable interest rate and flexible repayment terms would help minimise the increase in debt-service costs.

The World Bank loan, together with financing secured from other multilateral development partners, has enabled the government to meet its US$3.2 billion foreign currency borrowing requirement for the 2026/27 financial year, according to Treasury.

National Treasury thanked the World Bank for its continued support, saying the partnership was critical to maintaining momentum on reforms and advancing South Africa’s broader development objectives. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working with the taxi industry, while defending a review of the province’s operating licence system.

The MEC’s comments come after concerns were raised by the Gauteng Taxi Industry (GTI) about the Department of Roads and Transport’s stakeholder engagement programme and the current model used to issue operating licences.

Diale-Tlabela said the taxi industry remained a key part of Gauteng’s public transport network and that government valued its relationship with organised taxi leadership.

“The taxi industry remains a critical pillar in the provision of public transport services, moving millions of Gauteng residents daily,” she said.

She said engagements with taxi operators and associations across the province were in line with the department’s constitutional and legislative responsibilities to ensure an efficient, integrated and accountable public transport system.

According to the MEC, structured engagements with the industry remain in place, including quarterly meetings with provincial leadership. She said government continued to view dialogue as the preferred way of addressing challenges in the sector.

Diale-Tlabela also defended the department’s decision to review the operating licence issuing model, saying the intervention was prompted by concerns raised within the industry itself.

“These interventions are a direct response to allegations of irregularities, inconsistent administrative practices, and possible corruption within the system,” she said.

“We have a responsibility to act decisively to protect legitimate operators and restore public confidence.”

The department said preliminary findings from the review had identified discrepancies that required further verification, highlighting the need for stronger oversight and improved systems integrity.

Diale-Tlabela said Transport Operating Licence Administrative Bodies (TOLABs) continued to carry out their statutory responsibilities, but stressed that the department retained overall accountability for ensuring that the licensing system was lawful, transparent and free from irregularities.

The department said it hands over operating licences to qualifying public transport operators every week.

The MEC has also urged operators who have applied for operating licences, particularly minibus and scholar transport operators, to collect their documents.

Operators who have received SMS notifications or communication through their associations have until Friday, 14 August 2026, to collect their operating licences, the department said. Failure to collect the licences could result in their cancellation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Employment and Labour has paid out more than R1 million in benefits to former mineworkers and their dependants during a week-long outreach programme in the Eastern Cape.

The outreach, conducted in Port St Johns in the OR Tambo District, was held in partnership with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the Compensation Fund, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the Port St Johns Municipality.

It formed part of Project Thubalethu, an initiative aimed at tracing unclaimed and unpaid social benefits owed to former mineworkers.

The UIF paid out a total of R1 278 846.28 in benefits to 277 clients, providing financial relief to beneficiaries and, where beneficiaries had passed away, to their dependants. 

According to the department, the money comes at a crucial time for many families.

“Some of the mineworkers on whose behalf claims had been lodged did not live to see the outreach; in those cases, the benefits now pass to their dependents, offering a measure of relief to households that carried the weight of illness, injury or loss without the support that was due to them all along,” the department said.

Commissioner for Occupational Diseases at the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD), Barry Kistnasamy, said an estimated R18 million in benefits remains unclaimed by former mineworkers in the Port St Johns area alone.
Nationally, an estimated R10 billion in benefits remains unclaimed by ex-mineworkers and their dependants.

Kistnasamy said bringing services directly to communities where former mineworkers live is the most effective way of ensuring beneficiaries receive the money owed to them.

The department’s Acting Director-General, Jacky Molisane, said the outreach programme addresses the legacy of labour migration, noting that South Africa’s mining industry historically recruited workers from rural areas, particularly the Eastern Cape.

“Project Thubalethu is an initiative to roll out services-on-wheels by relevant stakeholders and departments for ex-mineworkers in the Eastern Cape to address unclaimed and unpaid social protection benefits and occupational disease and injury claims due to them,” she said.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said the province is home to about 370 000 former mineworkers who spent years working underground, often under hazardous conditions that exposed them to occupational diseases and workplace injuries.

The Premier said integrated outreach programmes like Project Thubalethu help ensure that beneficiaries and, where applicable, their dependants finally receive the benefits owed to them.

In addition to the benefit payments, 319 former mineworkers were assisted with work-related injury claims, while more than 400 work seekers were registered on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) database and received employment counselling.

The outreach also included workplace inspections in the wholesale and retail sector. Inspectors issued 11 non-compliance orders and 53 contravention notices to employers for failing to comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

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