Kuruman: The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul; and the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Ms Nontobeko Vilakazi, will on Monday, 26 October 2026, lead an integrated community health screening programme in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
The programme forms part of government’s response to the persistent public-health legacy of asbestos mining in Kuruman and surrounding communities. Decades of blue asbestos mining in the Northern Cape left behind unrehabilitated dumps contaminated soil, roads and public spaces which continue to expose residents to airborne asbestos fibres.
This integrated screening programme will provide affected community members with access to respiratory and general health assessments, early detection services, health education and referral pathways for further care.
It also seeks to strengthen surveillance of asbestos-related diseases such including asbestosis, lung cancer and pleural thickening, identify previously undiagnosed cases, and connect eligible individuals to appropriate clinical management and compensation processes.
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.
Details of the event are as follows
Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
Venue: Ga-Mopedi, John Taolo Gaetsewe District - Northern Cape.
Time: 09h00
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Foster Mohale
National Health Department Spokesperson
Cell: 0724323792
Email: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Naledi Gaosekwe
Media Liaison Officer to the Northern Cape Premier
Cell: 067 417 3648
Email: gaosekwen@ncpg.gov.za
Lebogang Majaha
Northern Cape Department of Health Spokesperson
Cell: 071 8836 404
Email: Lmajaha@ncpg.gov.za
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