Sheep magazine Archive 2: issues 10-17

TAC drew attention to the relationship between silicosis and tuberculosis
(TB). Sonke offered evidence on the gendered impact of silicosis,
particularly the financial, emotional and physical burden borne by women
and girls who care for sick mineworkers when they return home, often
foregoing their own income and education. The amici argued for the
authorisation of the class action, and the transmission of claims to widows
and dependents.
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A century of damage caused by the South African gold mining industry
requires remedy ... so refreshingly on a positive note, and despite
opposition by the mining houses, the court admitted them as amici.
Sonke’s affidavit on the gendered impact of silicosis was also admitted into
the proceedings.
In May this year, the Johannesburg high court granted its historic ruling.
It amended existing common law to allow general damages to be
transmitted to the widows and dependents of miners who died in the early
stages of litigation. Prior to this ruling, if plaintiffs died before pleadings
had closed their claims would become void.
The ruling sets an important precedent that affirms women’s rights and the
imperative to remedy the gendered harms imposed by the mining industry.
However, predictably, in an industry that puts profits before people’s lives, a
morally reprehensible and disgraceful action by the mining companies has
them appealing the decision (fuckers!).
SHEEP IN THE ROAD : NUMBER 17