The Department of Labour has launched an investigation into the
Sheltered Employment Factories structure (SEF), with a view to
introduce a new framework under which the factories will be
managed.
The SEF structure mainly employs White people with
disabilities. It emerged as a measure to cater for people who
fought in the 2nd World War.
Director-General, Dr Vanguard Mkosana, told Parliament’s Portfolio
Committee on Labour in Cape Town on Wednesday (Jan 31), that the
Department embarked on this process to also determine the legal persona
and the appropriate structure of the SEF.
“Some of the issues raised on the SEF by the Auditor-General have
been resolved while others are in the process of being
addressed,” Dr Mkosana said.
The Sheltered Employment Factories are urban based. This
is a major concern for the Portfolio Committee on Labour. The
Committee said these facilities should be equally accessible for both
the rural and urban communities.
In response to the Auditor-General’s findings on the lack of staff
with adequate financial and management accounting at the SEF, Dr
Mkosana told the Portfolio Committee that a project dedicated to
addressing this issue has been initiated.
“Although a formal skills audit has not yet been conducted –
however, job profiles have been completed for finance staff and
training is currently underway.” he said.
The recruitment of the Chief Financial Officer was in progress and
the appointment is expected soon.
The shake-up of the SEF will also entail recruitment of staff in
accordance with affirmative action.
“Where gaps are noted, skilled staff will be appointed in line with
the Employment Equity Plan,” he said.
On the Auditor-General’s recommendations with regard to the
Compensation Fund, Dr Mkosana said, critical management positions have
been identified to strengthen the top structure at the
Fund. A total of 32 additional staff members
have been appointed to alleviate capacity constraints. A Commissioner,
Shadrack Mkhonto, has also been appointed. Comissioner
Mkhonto championed the turn-around strategy of the Unemployment
Insurance Fund.
The Auditor-General also questioned the policy and framework
regarding the National Skills Fund, (NSF). Dr Mkosana told the
committee that the Department has decided to list the NSF as an
entity. The process includes among others, appropriate
legislation and the development of an institutional
framework.
“Here we are only focusing on the negative issues that were
raised by the Auditor-General – but there is so much positive to
share.”
