EAST LONDON- Eastern Cape Department of Employment and Labour hosted a successful Employer Breakfast Session at the East London International Convention Centre(EL ICC) where employers from various sectors gathered to learn about the importance of complying with labour laws and regulations. The session which took place on 10th February 2025 provided a platform for employers to receive updates on key legislation including the Unemployment Insurance Act and the National Minimum Wage Act(NMWA).
Technical experts from the Unemployment Insurance Fund(UIF) and other branches of the department were also on hand to assist employers with any challenges they might be experiencing. Department of Labour Acting Commissioner Mzie Yawa addressed employers in the Buffalo City Metropolitan area emphasizing the importance of awareness and cooperation in implementing new UIF regulations.
“We are here to inform employers about the new implementations that have been put in place so that they can, in turn, educate their employees our goal is to streamline the claims process making it easier for our people to access the benefits they deserve,” Yawa explained.
In addition, Acting Commissioner Yawa also encouraged employers to take a proactive approach in working with the UIF. “We want employers to come to us and say, ‘We can employ this number of people,’ so that we can provide them with the necessary support and guidance as their UIF partner.”
Furthermore, the department provided an update on the UIF’s Follow-the-Money Project, as well as Risk and Anti-Fraud Management activities within the Department and its entities.
A representative at Ters Intern Fourth Group Company Hettie Fourie said, “I’m representing all the employers of South Africa who are struggling with UIF issues. New systems will be implemented which will streamline the process and eliminate queues.”
In the lead-up to the session, the Department and its entities hosted a ‘Taking Services to the People campaign‘, which aimed to provide access to services in various areas.
The breakfast session was well-attended by employers from across the Buffalo City Metropolitan area who welcomed the opportunity to engage with the department and stay informed about important labour laws and regulations.
Photograph: The Department of Employment and Labour meets with employers at the East London International Convention Centre(EL ICC).
Photograph: supplied
