Workers formerly employed in South Africa’s mines are living with occupational diseases acquired from working underground and living in the industry’s hostels. While the gold mines have admitted their responsibility for the ill health of their employees, the agreed compensation for silicosis is a pittance and the coal, platinum and other mines have still to own up to their culpability. A life spent working for the mines invariably leads to an impoverished, sickly and painful end. The Unpaid Benefits Campaign seeks to change that. Elitsha speaks to some former mineworkers and widows of former mineworkers, and members of the UBC.