By ‘Mantšali Phakoana
Former and current Basotho mineworkers will receive assistance in claiming unpaid benefits during a two-week outreach campaign running from October 19 to 30, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has announced.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Labour and Employment Minister Ts’eliso Mokhosi said the campaign would bring together relevant institutions to help mineworkers access their entitlements and protect them from fraudsters who demand payment to facilitate claims.
Mokhosi said the ministry had received longstanding complaints from former mineworkers who have not yet to receive their benefits.
Participating institutions include the Mineworkers Provident Fund, Rand Mutual Assurance and Ts’iamiso Trust. The campaign will also help people without bank accounts to open them so they can receive their money.
Mokhosi warned mineworkers against individuals who promise to help them claim their benefits in exchange for money, only to steal the funds.
He urged them to use legitimate channels, stressing that the institutions participating in the campaign were not involved in such fraudulent activities.
Representing the Lesotho Women in Mining Association and Justice for Miners, ‘Mamokhants’o Nkune said the organisations understood the difficulties faced by former mineworkers still waiting for their benefits and were ready to guide them through the claims process.
The outreach will cover Mohale’s Hoek, Leribe, Mafeteng, Berea and Maseru.
Mineworkers have been advised to bring the necessary identification documents when seeking assistance, including to open bank accounts.
