The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an essential entity under the Department of Employment and Labour, has recently expressed its support for the arrest of six individuals suspected of defrauding the Fund of R2 million. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) apprehended these suspects on 10 June 2023 in the North West province. Two of the accused were previously employed by the Department of Employment and Labour, raising further concerns about corruption within the government system.
Recently, South Africa’s Employment and Labor Minister, T.W. Nxesi, presented the Department’s Budget Vote for 2023/24. The focus of the speech was on job creation and preservation, strengthening social dialogue, health and safety, and promoting equity in the workplace. In this article, we will discuss the initiatives taken by the Department to alleviate unemployment and improve the workforce’s conditions.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has allocated R62 billion for the COVID19 TERS relief funds, of which KwaZuluNatal businesses received R9.2 billion. To verify that the monies were paid to workers who were meant to receive the relief funds, the “follow the money” audit was set up.