After the conclusion of the fourth phase of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), a significant number of Education Assistants (EAs) have found themselves unemployed.
In response, the Department of Employment and Labour in the Limpopo Province is preparing for the second phase of its "Taking Services to the People" Campaign. This initiative aims to assist former EAs in submitting claims for unemployment benefits.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) plays a crucial role in providing temporary financial relief to individuals who contribute to the fund, with these contributions being deducted from their salaries on a monthly basis.
Teaching assistants are eligible for UIF benefits since they had previously contributed to the fund during their employment. These contributions were routinely deducted from their monthly remuneration before being transferred to their bank accounts.
The campaign launched in November 2023 following the expiration of contracts for former teaching assistants in September of the same year, specifically focuses on an estimated 35,000 teaching assistants in the Limpopo Province. Since its inception, the initiative has successfully processed over 9 000 applications.
Vuledzani Netshituka, the Director of Beneficiary Services at UIF, underscored the significance of former teaching assistants taking advantage of this opportunity within their communities. Despite a considerable number of individuals being affected, Netshituka pointed out that not all teaching assistants have taken the initiative to seek assistance.
It is our mission to bring our services closer to the people, reducing the burden of travel and addressing the high influx of clients at our offices…through this initiative, we aim to ensure that all former EAs ultimately receive their rightful benefits from the Fund.
Netshituka also provided reassurance to former teaching assistants falling under phases one, two, and three, affirming that the department is actively addressing undeclared and expired claims. The UIF communicates any resolutions through various channels once they are identified.
In a bid to improve the employment prospects of former teaching assistants, the Department's Public Employment Services (PES) branch will be on-site during the campaign. They will register CVs on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system, opening up potential avenues for future employment opportunities.
The campaign's first week, running from Monday 15 January to Friday, 19 January 2024, will be conducted in various districts:
Mopani East
15 – 19 January & 22 – 26 January 2024 at the Banquet Hall in Giyani
Mopani West
15 – 19 January & 22 – 26 January 2024 at the Tivumbeni College in Tzaneen
Sekhukhune South:
15 – 19 January 2024 at the Kgoshi Morwangwato in Jane Furse
Sekhukhune East
22 – 26 January 2024 at the Sehlaku Technical High in Driekop
Mogalakwena
- 15 – 17 January 2024: Mahwelereng Circuit
- 18 – 19 January 2024: Mapela Circuit
- 22 January 2024: Mapela Circuit
- 23 - 26 January 2024: Mogalakwena Circuit
All former teaching assistants are encouraged to bring their ID/passport documents and banking details. Sessions will run from 07:30 – 16:00.
The campaign is designed to guarantee that teaching assistants not only receive the financial support they are entitled to but also to offer them the chance to explore new opportunities.
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