In a statement, the Department of Employment and Labour announced that it has resumed its campaign of processing and paying unemployment benefits to former teaching and general assistants in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
These ex-teaching assistants were employed as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), which was implemented as the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) in 2020 across the country to reduce youth unemployment and increase job creation.
When their contracts ended, the former employees qualified to claim unemployment insurance benefits from the UIF.
“Due to the large volume of claims anticipated and to prevent long queues at Labour Centres, the UIF team in KwaZulu-Natal met with the Provincial Department of Education in Amajuba and agreed on a consolidated approach,” said the department.
This included the department availing venues while the UIF confirms the compliance of the former workers in terms of their employment history, declarations, and contributions.
According to the fund, a total of R36.5 million has been distributed to 7 950 clients to date.
In November 2022, the campaign started in the Amajuba District Municipality area where the UIF disbursed R7.7 million to 1 746 former educator assistants and general assistants.
The campaign then proceeded to eThekwini in December 2022 where the fund paid out R28.8 million to 6 204 beneficiaries.
From 9 January until 20 January 2023, the fund will process and pay out claims in the Zululand District Municipality as follows:
- 9-10 January 2023: Nuwe Republiek Primary School Vryheid.
- 11-12 January 2023: Masibumbane High School in Ulundi.
- 13, 16 and 17 January 2023: Bhekuzulu High School in Nongoma.
- 18-19 January 2023: Pongola Akademie.
- 20 January 2023: Paulpietersburg Primary School.
The fund has encouraged beneficiaries to bring along their Identity or valid Passport Documents, a fully charged smartphone with data, and proof of account banking details.
The department says that the UIF in KwaZulu-Natal will be rolling out the project to other parts of the province as well and will announce dates and details in due course via its social media platforms and the media so clients should stay alert.
