Poverty and non-natural deaths among former mineworkers and their families in Transkei region of South Africa

Abstract

Background: Thousands of ex-migrant mineworkers across the former Transkei have already passed on
from natural causes, are disabled, or have died due to either mining-related diseases or in non-natural ways
such as accidents, suicide or homicide. Many ex-mineworkers have died prematurely, placing a strain on
families.
Case History: Eighty-four family records were analyzed. Of these, 21 (25%) were found to be those of former
mineworkers and their immediate family members. There were five mineworkers, and 14 were children of
mineworkers. Only one was a spouse of a mineworker who had died unnaturally. Three mineworkers died as
a result of firearm injuries, one was assaulted by a knobkerrie, and another one died as a result of alcoholic
intoxication. Two of them had heavy drinking habits. Three mineworkers were unemployed. The causes
of unnatural death were as follows: five were stabbed, two died from firearm injuries, one was killed in
a motor vehicle accident, one was assaulted with a blunt object, and three committed suicide by hanging
and poisoning. Most victims consumed alcohol. The history and psychosocial effects are discussed in this
presentation.