The Asbestos Relief Trust and the Kgalagadi Relief Trust were established following a settlement
reached in litigation instituted by mineworkers and the Gencor group of companies.
These trusts facilitated compensation to qualifying mineworkers who suffered from asbestos related diseases. The settlement in the amount of R650 million, which was made an order of court, was a private matter to which the state was not a party.
A group of aggrieved individuals, the Kgatelopele Asbestos Community, approached government complaining that they did not receive compensation from the Asbestos Relief Trust. Their complaint is premised on the role that they played during the litigation, in that their names were used in bringing the litigation, which led to the successful conclusion of the settlement.
The community has since approached the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy with a request for assistance. The department convened a meeting between the community and Mr Richard Spoor who was involved in the aforesaid litigation and settlement.
A memorandum of understanding was signed in which Mr Spoor undertook to assist the community to make submissions to the Asbestos Relief Trust and Kgalagadi Relief Trust to consider making payment to
persons whose names were used to successfully conclude the settlement of claims.
Mr Spoor further undertook to finalise these submissions within three to six months from 20 August 2019 and to provide monthly updates to the department.
Since government has brought the parties together to facilitate a resolution to the matter, it is recommended that the relevant departments must be updated regularly by the parties on the progress to resolve this matter.
I believe this matter is being reviewed with a view of ensuring that it is resolved and that justice is mitted out to the people who feel aggrieved at this point in time. Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]