SOUTH AFRICA: UIF to give relief funds to riot-affected workers

By: Ollus Ndomu

South Africa’s Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has called for applications for available temporary relief funds to all Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal workers that were affected the Zuma-unrest.

Makhosonke Buthelezi, UIF communication and marketing director has said the available funds are part of the R5.3 billion Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

The firm has also disclosed that relief will be paid at a flat rate of R3,500 per month to workers until mid December this year.

According to WABU, a financial firm working with UIF, workers will receive relief funds after employers have provided details of destruction including documentary proof of a report made to the police (case number) and proof of insurance if issured.

Insurance authorities are urging employers to apply through the TERS online portal on behalf of their workers but funds will directly paid into the employee’s personal bank account.

Reacting to development, employees have expressed delight saying the relief fund will cushion the economic hardships they are facing.

“Life has been hard. My two children, mom and sister depend on me as I am the only one who had a job,” Promise Nyandeni, an affected employee.

Build It franchise Owner, John Vantonder, disclosed that he managed to pay his ten employees in July, but failed to pay them in August. He welcomed the relief fund.

Vantonder also said only his full-time employees are registered with UIF.

“My temporary employees are my main worry,” he said adding that he plans to register his temporary workers with UIF, hoping they too can qualify for the said funds.

Many South Africans were left jobless following the Pro-Zuma protests which snowballed into looting of businesses and torching of public and private property.