For 58-year-old Mampondo Mfunda, who lives in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, it has been three years since he was diagnosed with silicosis. Mfunda began work as a gold-mine worker in 1980. He worked for various mines for 35 years until 2015 when he was told he could not continue because of silicosis. Silicosis can be contracted from inhaling dust containing fine crystalline silica, which is toxic and can lead to bronchitis and lung cancer. "I cough all the time now. I can't run or walk fast anymore, and I also can't walk uphill roads, narrow downhill roads or carry a five-litre bucket for a long time without feeling a burn in my chest," Mfunda said. He contracted TB in 2010. He was treated and went back to the mine where he continued until his last day of work five years later. Since then his health has deteriorated and his body grows weaker by the day. Mfunda is among 100000 men and women who have worked on gold mines, some since 1965, and who suffer from silicosis or tuberculosis...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.