UIF launches system overhaul to enhance benefit payments and efficiency

John Perlman interviews UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping.

Listen below.

Many South Africans who have contributed to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for years, sometimes even decades, are dismayed by the state of the system when they attempt to claim their benefits.

The UIF, which holds investments of around R135 billion and is financed by a 2% payroll tax shared between employees and employers, is designed to provide prompt short-term relief for workers in the formal sector who lose their jobs, fall ill, or take maternity or adoption leave.

However, reports indicate that claimants frequently face delays of months or even years without resolution to their applications, despite assurances that their cases are being "escalated."

"We didn't invest a lot on the new technology because it would've been a fruitless and wasteful expenditure."

- Teboho Maruping, UIF Commissioner

Maruping clarifies that they have initiated crucial upgrades to their outdated systems.

He explains that their goal is to undertake a phased overhaul over the next three to five years.

Maruping emphasises that this approach will ensure uninterrupted benefit payments and steadily enhance operational efficiency.

Maruping says the UIF is not trying to present themselves as flawless and acknowledges that some staff members have mistreated South Africans.

He asserts that he will take the necessary steps to address these issues and close the gaps within the system.

"There are some areas where we believe is an issue that we can deal with case-by-case."

- Teboho Maruping, UIF Commissioner

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