Mbabane – The Tshiamiso Trust Executive: Stakeholder Relations and Communication, Lusanda Jiya, said that the Trust operates in close collaboration with stakeholders in Eswatini.
This follows the initial report that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is accused of being silent in the matters of compensation claims from former mine workers who worked in South African mines where the Eswatini National Ex Mine Workers Association (ESNEMA) alleged that it has not got feedback from the PAC’s sought intervention on matters concerning the Tshiamiso Trust and the Voluntary Deferred Pay (VDP) special fund.
When responding to Independent News questions, Jiya said they work through a well-established multi-stakeholder forum that includes representatives from government, ex-mineworker associations, and civil society.
“This forum is the primary platform through which the Trust consults and coordinates in preparation for Benefit Medical Examinations (BMEs) and other service delivery initiatives in the country.
“Ahead of the current BME rotation, the forum was duly engaged,” Jiya said. Tshiamiso Trust said that the most recent meeting took place in the country was in May, where the rollout schedule, selected locations, and communication plans were discussed.
She said that stakeholders contributed meaningfully to identifying effective local communication platforms and refining messages to ensure accessibility and clarity for Emaswati.
“While we are aware of recent claims by some individuals or organisations that they were not consulted, we note that all relevant stakeholder groupings, including those representing ex-mineworkers, are invited to participate in the forum and were afforded the opportunity to input into the rollout planning. The Trust remains committed to inclusive, transparent engagement, and we continue to provide daily updates on BME progress through the structures in place,” Jiya said. Jiya said they encourage all parties to work collaboratively within the coordinated frameworks, in the interests of serving ex-mineworkers and their dependents as effectively as possible.
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