13 June 2000
Northern Province Premier, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, will be in London next week (19 June ) to support the group of South African asbestos victims who are suing British-based mining company, Cape plc. Advocate Ramatlhodi will attend the session of the House of Lords where an appeal will be heard.
"This is a landmark case in an ongoing struggle to ensure that multinational companies are held accountable for their actions. We want to demonstrate solidarity with the thousand of workers in the province and their families who have been adversely affected by the dangerous practices employed by Cape plc," says Advocate Ramatlhodi.
The case dates back to the Seventies when Cape plc owned a number of asbestos mines, in South Africa, including on at Mafefe in the Northern Province, another area that is seriously affected is Prieska in the Northern Cape.
The mining company has since left South Africa but claims for compensation for deaths and illnesses related to asbestos are continuing.
The 3 000 South Africans - including 350 who sue on behalf of the estates of deceased victims - are seeking compensation for pain and suffering.
In October 1999 the United Kingdom High Court turned down an application that the case be heard in the United Kingdom in terms of British laws.
However, the House of Lords, the highest court in the UK will consider an appeal against this ruling.
"I am confident that justice will prevail and that the House of Lords will grant the South African workers and their families the fundamental right to seek justice and compensation," says Advocate Ramatlhodi. "Over more than 25 years many lives have been destroyed by the dangerous working conditions that were enforced at asbestos mines. The time has come for companies to accept responsibility for their decisions and actions."
Advocate Ramatlhodi will be accompanied by the Provincial MEC for Health and Welfare, Mr Sello Moloto. While in London the Premier will address a June 16 gathering organised by the London-based Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).
Enquiries: Kenny Mathivha
Cell: 082-807-9966
Issued by Government Communications (GCIS) on behalf of the Office of the Premier of the Northern Province.