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Motsoaledi to lead health screening in Northern Cape asbestos areas

Published

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will lead an integrated community health screening programme in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on Monday. The national Department of Health says it is part of the response to the health legacy of asbestos mining around Kuruman.

Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul and Northern Cape Health MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi will join Motsoaledi. The programme covers Kuruman and surrounding communities.

The department said decades of blue asbestos mining in the province left unrehabilitated dumps, contaminated soil, roads and public spaces. It said these continue to expose residents to airborne asbestos fibres.

The department said in a statement: "Government remains committed to a coordinated response that combines health screening, community education, and improved access to diagnosis, treatment and compensation for affected workers and residents,"

Key facts

Who
Aaron Motsoaledi (Health Minister); Zamani Saul (Northern Cape Premier); Nontobeko Vilakazi (Northern Cape Health MEC); National Department of Health (issued the statement)
What
The national Department of Health announced that an integrated community health screening programme will be led on Monday in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Northern Cape, as part of the government response to the public health legacy of asbestos mining in Kuruman and surrounding communities.
When
26 October 2026
Where
John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Kuruman, Northern Cape
Status
Reported

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