The first day of the certification hearings for a class action lawsuit on behalf of hundreds of thousands of gold mineworkers who contracted silicosis and/or tuberculosis got underway today at the South Gauteng High Court. Sonke Gender Justice and Treatment Action Campaign community mobilisers demonstrated outside court to show their support for the miners and their families, calling for justice to prevail. The two organisations have joined the certification hearing as amici curiae or friends of the court and are presenting evidence on how #silicosis and #tuberculosis is not only affecting returning sick miners, but is also placing a burden on women and girl children who often have to bear the burden of caring for their sick husbands and fathers. Section27 is representing the two organisations in the case. The two are demanding appropriate compensation for the workers who are often laid off work because of poor health that results from occupational diseases contracted while working underground. The case continues until the 23rd of October.
