'System failure': Unions blast UIF and Compensation Fund as workers left waiting for benefits

labour federations COSATU, SAFTU, FEDUSA and NACTU have called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene

South Africa’s main labour federations COSATU, SAFTU, FEDUSA and NACTU have called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently intervene in the country’s Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation Fund, warning of deepening failures in both institutions.

This comes after recent reports revealed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered irregularities linked to parts of the UIF’s COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme, including fraudulent and improper claims processed during the pandemic period.

In a joint statement released to the media, the unions said the revelations confirm long-standing concerns about weak controls and governance failures within the UIF.

"In addition, the long queues and inefficiencies the UIF is notorious for persist unabated," the unions said.