Kubayi-Ngubane: Over 860,000 employees benefitted from UIF so far
Ministers are elaborating on the socio-economic relief interventions on COVID-19 and the strengthening of the performance of the economy under the current conditions.
JOHANNESBURG – Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has expanded on the measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in line with level four of the national lockdown.
These included temporary tax relief and other measures to help South Africans.
The country will move to level four of the lockdown restrictions on Friday to allow certain sectors of the economy to operate.
Under the partial re-opening, clothing and other non-essential stores will open their doors but some under strict conditions from Friday.
Kubayi-Ngubane said hundreds of thousands of South Africans had been able to get help through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
“More than 862,000 employees will receive their benefits. About 10,000 applications could not be processed due to errors and the affected companies have been notified to correct the applications and resubmit.”
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Kubayi-Ngubane said the UIF was working around the clock to meet the extraordinary volumes of requests.
“The call centre, which initially had 75 agents, has increased its capacity and now has 400 agents operating the toll-free number (0800 030 007).”
Kubayi-Ngubane also referred to the court action brought by AfriForum and Solidarity for all business in tourism to be included in receiving aid and not just those with BEE credentials.
“The department will be guided by the outcome of the court, but stand ready to support the businesses in distress. Thus far, over 10,000 applications were received and the court proceedings took place this morning and we await the outcome of the court.”
President Ramaphosa announced a R500 billion package towards the country's efforts to cushion the blow of the coronavirus pandemic.
