The Department of Employment and Labour has noted with concern reports of members of the public who visited labour centres in large numbers despite the lockdown, allegedly to collect the R350 social grant today, Monday 04, 2020.
According to reports, large groups of people descended upon labour centres in Alberton (Gauteng), Port Elizabeth, East London, Grahamstown, Graaf Reinet, Queenstown and Uitenhage (Eastern Cape), Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal); and Cape Town (Western Cape) to “collect their R350 social grant.”
Social grants are a purview of the Department of Social Development and not the Department of Employment and Labour. The latter is only responsible for among other things, the payment of Unemployment Insurance and for occupational injuries and diseases.
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has reiterated that labour centres remain closed for the duration of the Covid-19 nationwide lockdown.
“This decision is part of government’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus by minimising and avoiding physical contact. This is in the best interest of both the public and employees of the Department. While our labour officers continue to process claims to ensure that claimants receive their UIF disbursements on schedule, the centres are not open to the public”, said Minister Nxesi.
Unemployment Insurance beneficiaries are encouraged to submit their applications online and/or drop off their applications inside the drop-in facilities outside our labour centres countrywide. Beneficiaries can submit claims via www.ufiling.co.za or alternatively contact the UIF on 0800 030 007.
For more information contact:
Sabelo Mali
Ministerial Liaison Officer
082 729 5804
