Mpumalanga celebrates a claims processing centre

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) today (Fri) took its nationwide drive of raising public awareness about its upgraded processing centres to Mpumalanga,  with Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana delivering a key note address.

The event formed part of the labour department’s ongoing campaign to bring services closer to the people. It was attended by social partners from business, labour and government.

“We are serious about decentralising work from head office, but in doing this we are moving step by step. Through this launch, we are trying to raise awareness to the people of Mpumalanga to make more use of this centre. We are currently processing about 400 claims a month, instead of the ideal figure of 500,” he said.

Minister Mdladlana said judging by the success of the processing methods being championed by the UIF, he felt it had to be shared with public entities like the Compensation Fund and National Skills fund in order to expedite the processing of their claims.

“Although I am aware that other countries want to emulate this system, I feel that charity begins at home,” he said.

The Minister said while it was good to celebrate the launch, he was also worried about people working with criminals to make false declarations and thereby defrauding UIF of much needed resources.

“I don’t know why some people thing that when they collude with criminals they wont be caught,” he said.

Turning to the women’s month which begins today the Minister urged South Africans to play an increasing part in protecting the rights of women in the workplace.

“Women are still the most vulnerable group in our society particularly as domestic workers and farm labourers,” he said.