Dying for Gold Documentary and Justice for Miners Campaign

The Division of Occupational Medicine hosted the screening of the much acclaimed documentary film ‘Dying for Gold’ on 16 May 2019. The film explores the real cost of more than a century of deep level gold mining in South Africa, a legacy of occupational injuries and disease such as silicosis and/or tuberculosis, death and inequality that has left its mark on the Southern African continent. The narratives of contemporary miners, ex-miners and their families are juxtaposed with evidence of the overarching design of exploitation for profit by the mining houses and successive governments which continues into the present. Dying for Gold, also tells the background story of the biggest class action case South Africa has seen where a class of at least 500 000 ex-miners and their dependents have demanded just compensation for occupational lung diseases incurred following work in the gold mines.

The documentary screening was attended students, members of staff and civil society organizations. This led to an enthusiastic discussion at the end of the screening by co-director of the documentary,  Richard Pakleppa. The audience reflected on the need to get labour unions, academics, students and civil society organizations more involved in the campaigning for better working conditions for current miners whilst tirelessly seeking just compensation for all affected with occupational diseases. Richard encouraged academics to closely monitor the creation and implementation of the ex-miners silicosis trust and urged all to become actively involved by supporting the movement through signing a petition on: www.dyingforgold.com. The documentary is available for screening to other audiences of 5-10. Please contact the Division for further details.