In response to the Government’s resolve that all state departments should ensure that we bring services closer to the people, the Unemployment Insurance Fund saw it fit to organise and host a series of outreach programmes which are aimed at reaching out to our clients, those in far-flung areas in particular.
These campaigns are aimed at galvanising community members and workers in particular, to learn more about the UIF, its services and the benefits thereof. Through the mobile computer systems of the department, workers having challenges with payments of benefits and/or any other UIF related issues are instantly assisted at these events.
As part of this series of events, the Department of Labour’s (DoL) Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) therefore hosted a community outreach programme in Sasolburg recently. This event was held at Sasolburg Mall and started from 9h00 until 19h00.
A delegation from the UIF’s Free State provincial office led by Mr. Tahlo Sebatane, who is acting head of UIF in the Province, was also in attendance to oversee the processes as they unfold.
“We have realised over the years that there is no better way to interact, engage and assist our clients than through a face to face personal interaction. Thus we resolved to embark on campaigns of this nature to ensure that we reach the length and breathe of our province in a quest to deliver quality services to our clientele effectively and efficiently.
We therefore call upon all our clients to seize this opportunity, embrace it and attend these outreach campaigns in their numbers”, said Mr. Sebatane.
Members of the public were afforded the opportunity to be advised on UIF matters, check if they are registered with the Fund and/or check how far their claims and applications for benefits are, and all of these were done right at the mall.
To this end, no less than 150 Sasolburg clients were attended to with no less than 40 of cases, constituted primarily by claims for benefits, being processed and approved right on the spot and payment being done the next day.
“Our campaign trail will now be moving to Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa Qwa, and will take place on the 29 July 2016. Of critical importance to note is the fact that, all other branches of the Department of Labour, such as Public Employment Services, Inspection and Enforcement Services as well as the Compensation Fund will be represented. We therefore call upon all clients with matters relating to any of those branches to come and enquire about such”, further explained Mr. Sebatane.
Coming hot on the heels of this campaign will be the Public Employment Services’ employer and exhibition campaigns which will take place on the 27 to 28 July 2016 in Phuthaditjhaba. These two intertwined events are envisaged to start at 10h00 until 16h00.
Established in terms of Section 4 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 36 of 2001 as amended, the UIF cushions the blow for the unemployed for a period not exceeding nine months. By doing so it alleviates the harmful economic and social effects of unemployment.
Enquiries:
Josial Ramokoena
Cell: 083 292 4018
E-mail: josial.ramokoena@labour.gov.za
