According to the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works:
1. The CCOD is responsible for the administration of the Mines and Works Compensation Fund under the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act, 78 of 1973. The Tshiamiso Trust is an independent trust set up through the class action settlement in 2018. The CCOD is not processing claims on behalf of the Trust as the Trust has its administration for claims processing.
(a)-(b) The CCOD is not involved in the processing of claims lodged with the Tshiamiso Trust. The details relating to the current backlog in the processing of the specified claims and the date on which the backlog will be eradicated can be obtained from the Dr M Kwinda, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tshiamiso Trust at munyadziwa.kwinda@tshiamisotrust.com.
2. (a) The MBOD/CCOD interacts with the Tshiamiso Trust in areas of common interest. Additionally, the Commissioner (Dr Kistnasamy) is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tshiamiso Trust.
(b) (i)-(ii) During the period 1 April 2023 to 31 October 2023, Dr Kistnasamy attended three Benefits Committee meetings; two meetings of the Governance, Human Resources and Remuneration Committee; two Trust Advisory Committee meetings; three Board of Trustees meetings and the Annual General Meeting of the Trust. Regular meetings are also held between the operational teams of the MBOD/CCOD and Tshiamiso trust regarding the exchange of information to assist with the tracking of claimants with unclaimed benefits; outreach activities for ex-mineworkers (Eastern Cape (April 2023) and Free State (September 2023) and discussions with service providers who provide the call centre inputs and the compensation claims management system across the MBOD/CCOD and the Trust.
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