The group led by its president John Dick held a meeting on Saturday, 17th October where members resolved to involve parliament over their demands claiming that the ministry of labour has turned a blind eye on their issues.

John Dick told Zodiak online, ministry of labour officials have not been forthcoming to resolve their recurring demands.

“We have agreed to write the parliamentary committee and we want all concerned parties including the ministry of labour officials to hold an engagement with us, this issue is long overdue and we want it addressed,” he said.

Parliamentary Committee on social and community affairs, Salvel Kafwafwa is meanwhile asking the ex-miners to control flaring emotions within the group.

“There is a challenge in terms of the ex-miners as they are using different platforms and groups instead of coordinating themselves to come together and speak with one voice.”

Ministry of labour had initially indicated that 81 ex-miners are eligible to start receiving their terminal benefits after a successful vetting process.

The ex-miners worked in South African mines in the 1970s during the apartheid era.