Latest news with #GautengDepartmentofHealth
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Residents prevent foreigners from accessing healthcare at local clinics
SHARPEVILLE.- The Sharpeville and Vereeniging community has embarked on what they call 'a campaign' to stop foreign nationals from being attended to at their clinics. The community has seemingly followed what an organisation called 'Dudula' is doing, mostly in the Johannesburg area, where foreigners are prohibited from getting any healthcare service. Investigating, Sedibeng Ster has discovered that the community members take turns to monitor patients at the clinics, barring foreigners from entering the premises and getting treatment or being attended to. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster on condition of anonymity, for obvious reasons, community members said that the clinics are overflowing with foreigners while the people of South Africa are struggling to get service. 'It is purely because of that that the community has taken this action. We have had it with the situation, and we have decided to take a stand, checking all foreigners.' Foreigners, who Sedibeng Ster asked for comment about the situation, refused to speak to 'papers' about the tense situation. 'No organisation is doing or funding this; the community just decided to take a stand because they are fed up,' a community member said. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said that it is aware of incidents where patients are obstructed from accessing healthcare, and that where there are reports of people who prevent others from accessing health services, the incidents are always reported to the law enforcement agencies, such as the police, who always respond swiftly to deal with the issues. 'The Gauteng Department of Health reported the matter to law enforcement agencies that are custodians of maintaining law and order.' 'In addition, the department remains committed to providing healthcare services to everyone irrespective of their nationality,' said Motalatale Modiba, GDoH's head of communication Modiba said that what the community is doing is not legal. 'We continue to appeal to communities not to take the law into their own hands but to allow constitutionally mandated institutions to be the ones that enforce the law.' Sharpeville police spokesperson, Constable Busisiwe Sango, said there have not been any cases (of threats) reported to them; however, they are monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, the residents of Vereeniging have also joined in the 'campaign'. A video circulating on social media shows them preventing foreign nationals from entering the Market Street Clinic in Vereeniging, demanding South African documentation.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Ex-mineworkers in Springs urged to register for compensation programme
Ex-mineworkers in Springs urged to register for compensation programme The City of Ekurhuleni is inviting all the ex-mineworkers and their families residing in Springs and the surrounding areas to participate in the Ex-Mine Workers Social Security Benefits Programme which is currently in its second phase. CoE said that the programme is operated by the Gauteng Department of Health in collaboration with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and other stakeholder organisations. 'Many former mineworkers left the industry without receiving the social security benefits and compensation they deserve. In addition, families of deceased ex-mine workers may also be eligible to claim benefits under this programme,' said CoE. The metro is taking part in phase two of the programme to reach more ex-mine workers in the area, including in Springs. Registrations are accepted from 08:00 to 16:00 weekdays until Friday, August 22 at the following locations: 1. Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital – Training Centre Hall (Nurses Home Area), Vosloorus 2. Bertha Gxowa Hospital – Dr Clarence Mini Hall (previously Kobie Muller Hall), Germiston 3. Tambo Memorial Hospital – Villa Nerina Hall (adjacent to NHLS Lab), Boksburg 4. Pholosong Hospital – Auditorium and Lapa, Tsakani Former mineworkers and family members are encouraged to bring: 1. Mineworker's Identity Card (Makhulu-skop) 2. Official identification document or valid ID 3. Any letters, forms, or documents previously received from mining companies For more information about the programme and who qualifies, residents can call the MBOD Call Centre on 080 1000 240.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng Health Department launches second phase of benefits programme for former mineworkers
Gauteng Health Department launches second phase of benefits programme for former mineworkers Former mineworkers in the Brakpan area are urged to visit Pholosong Regional Hospital to register for long-overdue compensation and undergo health screenings. This initiative forms part of the Gauteng Department of Health's second phase of the Ex-Mineworkers Social Security Benefits Programme. According to Gauteng health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, the initiative is designed to help ex-mineworkers access medical examinations and claim benefits for occupational diseases such as silicosis and TB. 'Tambo Memorial Hospital, is one of four designated registration sites in Ekurhuleni offering free screenings, medical evaluations, and benefit registration services. 'The programme aims to identify and support mineworkers who have not yet received the social security benefits they are entitled to. Many of whom suffer from chronic lung diseases caused by years of exposure in hazardous mining environments. 'We want former mineworkers to know that this is their opportunity to get the support they deserve.' Modiba said some of them worked under incredibly tough conditions and never got the medical or financial compensation owed to them. 'This programme is for them and their families.' In addition to Pholosong Regional Hospital, other sites across the Ekurhuleni district include: • Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus. • Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Germiston. • Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg. The programme, run in partnership with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD), also provides benefits to the dependents of deceased mineworkers, provided the right documentation is submitted. Families are encouraged to come forward if they believe their loved ones qualified for occupational health claims before passing away. To register, individuals should bring the following documents: • Makhuluskop (mineworker's ID card or industry number). • Green ID book or smart ID card. • Any proof of employment in the mines. • Death certificate (for deceased mineworkers, if applicable). The first phase of the programme was implemented successfully in the West Rand district, where more than 9 000 individuals registered, and over 500 received full benefit medical examinations. Many mineworkers traveled across provinces to work in mines but returned home without any support. Residents are encouraged to spread the word among family members, neighbours, and community members who may be eligible. The MBOD call centre is available for inquiries at 080 1000 240. By registering, ex-mineworkers not only stand to receive financial support but also crucial medical care for diseases that continue to impact their lives. The department urges eligible individuals to register before the closing date on August 22.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Ex-mine workers urged to claim unpaid social security benefits in Ekurhuleni
The City of Ekurhuleni is urging all ex-mine workers and their families within the municipality to participate in Phase Two of the Ex-Mine Workers Social Security Benefits Programme. The initiative aims to provide long-overdue compensation and support for occupational diseases. This government-led programme is spearheaded by the Gauteng Department of Health in partnership with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and other stakeholders. ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni welcomes arrest in assassination case It seeks to trace, register and medically screen former mineworkers, many of whom left the industry without receiving their entitled benefits. Occupational diseases such as silicosis and tuberculosis are common among former mineworkers. The programme also extends to the families of deceased ex-mine workers, who may be eligible to claim benefits on their behalf. Ekurhuleni is part of the second phase of the programme, which focuses on increasing access to rightful benefits for more affected individuals across the city. How to register: Registrations are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 until Friday, August 22. Residents can visit any of the following venues: • Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Training Centre Hall (Nurses Home Area), Vosloorus • Bertha Gxowa Hospital, Dr Clarence Mini Hall (formerly Kobie Muller Hall), Germiston • Tambo Memorial Hospital, Villa Nerina Hall (next to NHLS Lab), Boksburg • Pholosong Hospital, Auditorium and Lapa, Tsakani ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni reminds public of outdoor advertising rules Applicants should bring: • Their mineworker identity card (Makhulu-skop) • Official identification documents • Any relevant communication or paperwork from former employers or mining companies For full details on eligibility and required documentation, contact the MBOD Call Centre on 080 1000 240.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Former mineworkers called to register for compensation at Pholosong Hospital
Former mineworkers called to register for compensation at Pholosong Hospital Former mineworkers in Tsakani and surrounding areas are urged to visit Pholosong Regional Hospital to register for long-overdue compensation and undergo health screenings. This initiative forms part of the Gauteng Department of Health's second phase of the Ex-Mineworkers Social Security Benefits Programme. According to Gauteng health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, the initiative is designed to help ex-mineworkers access medical examinations and claim benefits for occupational diseases such as silicosis and TB. 'Tambo Memorial Hospital, is one of four designated registration sites in Ekurhuleni offering free screenings, medical evaluations, and benefit registration services. 'The programme aims to identify and support mineworkers who have not yet received the social security benefits they are entitled to. Many of whom suffer from chronic lung diseases caused by years of exposure in hazardous mining environments. 'We want former mineworkers to know that this is their opportunity to get the support they deserve.' Modiba said some of them worked under incredibly tough conditions and never got the medical or financial compensation owed to them. 'This programme is for them and their families.' In addition to Pholosong Regional Hospital, other sites across the Ekurhuleni district include: • Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus. • Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Germiston. • Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg. The programme, run in partnership with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD), also provides benefits to the dependents of deceased mineworkers, provided the right documentation is submitted. Families are encouraged to come forward if they believe their loved ones qualified for occupational health claims before passing away. ALSO CHECK: Is your will legally valid? Five essentials you can't afford to miss To register, individuals should bring the following documents: • Makhuluskop (mineworker's ID card or industry number). • Green ID book or smart ID card. • Any proof of employment in the mines. • Death certificate (for deceased mineworkers, if applicable). The first phase of the programme was implemented successfully in the West Rand district, where more than 9 000 individuals registered, and over 500 received full benefit medical examinations. Many mineworkers traveled across provinces to work in mines but returned home without any support. Residents are encouraged to spread the word among family members, neighbours, and community members who may be eligible. The MBOD call centre is available for inquiries at 080 1000 240. By registering, ex-mineworkers not only stand to receive financial support but also crucial medical care for diseases that continue to impact their lives. The department urges eligible individuals to register before the closing date on August 22.
