Residents of Mafefe village in Limpopo are being screened for asbestos-related illnesses as government moves to address contamination from abandoned mines that closed more than 30 years ago following the asbestos-linked death of a 48-year-old man this year, reports Health-e News.
Mampuru Thobejane died in April, with his father, Chief Setlamorago Thobejane, saying he had been diagnosed with asbestosis after developing lung problems in May 2025, although the family had initially suspected TB.
His son’s condition deteriorated and he was admitted to Mediclinic Nelspruit Hospital in February.
His son lived in agony in his last days, his father told Health-e News. “Doctors said that his lungs were severely affected… he was in severe pain and struggling to breathe.”
Mampuru died three weeks before his twins were born on 8 May.
Asbestos remains in the community
Residents say remnants of asbestos-containing material remain scattered around Mafefe, and that heavy rain exposes dangerous material in the soil, which is also washed into the Ngwaname River, used as a water source.
Local councillor Kutullo Mogaramedi said the community had raised concerns with provincial authorities about asbestos exposure for years, and recent tests by local authorities had found contamination in both the soil and water. A contractor was apparently appointed in February to remove remaining asbestos material, but the work has not started.
Government starts screening
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi recently visited Mafefe and announced an Integrated Health Screening Programme for communities affected by abandoned asbestos mines.
The programme includes screening for linked illness using portable digital X-ray machines, alongside TB screening, HIV testing and counselling, blood pressure and diabetes checks.
Motsoaledi said asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop after exposure.
“Mafefe is among the communities facing long-term health risks linked to this contamination from abandoned mines that were not adequately rehabilitated,” he said.
He added that the Department of Health was working with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to rehabilitate the mines.
Problem extends beyond Mafefe
Recent research by the University of Limpopo suggests the problem extends beyond Mafefe. A May study found asbestos deposits in villages and along riverbanks in Ga-Mathabatha, another rural community affected by abandoned mines.
The researchers warned that asbestos-bearing rocks, soil and mine debris remained in residential areas and along gravel roads, while the DA has also expressed concern about the unresolved asbestos legacy across the province – despite government having formally acknowledged the issue two decades ago.
The party pointed out that rehabilitating former asbestos mines does not necessarily mean that surrounding environment and communities are asbestos-free or safe, and has said it will seek a full provincial account of what has been done, what remains outstanding and why, and the current environmental and health status of affected communities.
Jacques Smalle, the provincial spokesperson for Limpopo Economic Development, the Environment and Tourism (LADET) said while Thobejane’s death has galvanised the Health Department, this raises the question: why did it require a death to prompt screening in a community where government has long known residents were exposed to asbestos?
He said the DA would request a complete provincial inventory of asbestos sites and affected communities, including their rehabilitation and contamination status, health-monitoring arrangements, outstanding work, budgets, and deadlines.
Communities should not have to wait for another person to become ill or die before government determines whether they remain at risk, he said.
Mafefe is not the only area associated with Limpopo’s asbestos legacy. Mintek’s derelict and ownerless mine rehabilitation programme has identified or dealt with sites including Streatham, Penge, Ga-Mathabatha, Steelpoort, Mashupaloni, Kleingeluk, Lot 301 KS and Morgendal 215 KS.
Research shows these concerns are not confined to Mafefe. The University of Limpopo study has already confirmed asbestos deposits in surrounding villages and along riverbanks, while earlier research in the Penge area identified residual asbestos associated with former mining sites – proving that rehabilitating a mine does not necessarily mean surrounding communities are asbestos-safe, the DA said.
Some of these rehabilitation projects have been reported as completed or practically completed. But mine rehabilitation is not the same as eliminating the asbestos legacy in surrounding communities, the party said.
The DA pointed out that while the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources carries responsibility for rehabilitating derelict and ownerless mines, the Limpopo provincial government has responsibilities for environmental and health consequences.
LEDET is responsible for environmental management, pollution, waste, compliance, and enforcement, while the provincial Department of Health is responsible for screening, diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health surveillance.
Study details
Spatial Distribution of Asbestos and Perceptions of Asbestosis Risk in the Ga-Mathabatha Community, Limpopo
Manuel Teleki Thobejane, Mologadi Clodean Mothapo, Hector Chikoore, Fhatuwani Sengani.
Published in MDPI on 15 May 2026
Abstract
Asbestos dust exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly in areas with unrehabilitated asbestos mines. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of asbestos and community awareness and perceptions of the risk of asbestosis in Ga-Mathabatha, a rural settlement in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery, remote sensing techniques, and GIS mapping, we predicted areas containing different types of minerals associated with asbestos, validated by field observations at Makapeng, Moleke, Maseleseleng, Success, Masioneng, Olifants River, Mphogodima River, and Tongwane River sites. A mixed-methods research approach, including 18 in-depth interviews and 250 survey questionnaires, assessed community awareness and perceptions of potential asbestosis risk. Remote sensing analysis results indicated high concentrations of chrysotile asbestos in the eastern part of the study area, tremolite asbestos in the southern part, and minor serpentine deposits in the east. Field observations confirmed asbestos deposits along riverbanks and in the surrounding villages. Survey results revealed that 45.6% of participants were not aware of areas of high asbestos concentration in Ga-Mathabatha, while 28% (15% + 13%) did not perceive passing near asbestos dumps with or without herds as another source of exposure. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and awareness programmes for communities living near asbestos deposits and those whose day-to-day activities increase their risk of exposure.