LUSIKISIKI- A skills program designed to equip unemployed youth with skills and provide a stipend has turned into a frustrating ordeal. The learnership, sponsored by the Department of Labour’s Unemployment Insurance Fund(UIF), has failed to pay facilitators and students for two consecutive months April and May 2025, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
Despite promises from Transkei Skills Project, the company partnered with UIF that stipends would be paid in the first week of May, students and facilitators in Flagstaff and Lusikisiki remain unpaid. The Department of Labour claims to have disbursed funds to Transkei Skills Project, but the students are yet to receive their stipends.
Frustrated students, who spoke to Eastern Cape Daily News on condition of anonymity, expressed their disappointment and anger. “It’s frustrating and draining. They keep promising but nothing happens. It’s clear they’re playing the blame game,” said one student.
Another student added, “They’re taking us for granted we’ve lost trust. No one would attend classes for two months without payment we’re wasting our time and energy.”
The project manager from Transkei Skills Project directed questions to the board of directors, revealing that he himself had not been paid.
The Department of Labour’s representative declined to comment, citing that he was not authorized to speak to the media.
In a joint statement, the Department of Labour’s UIF and Transkei Skills Project confirmed the payment delays and committed to settling the stipends before 06 June 2025.
This publication has obtained the letter and communication confirming the payment issues.
In addition the situation has left students and facilitators in a state of limbo, wondering when they will receive their rightful payments.
Photograph: supplied
