KOMANI–The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) hosted a two day media engagement in Komani on 08 and 09 October 2026 to highlight improvements in service delivery, the impact of its projects and its commitment to accountability in the province.
The UIF engagement brought together media representatives and stakeholders to discuss service delivery priorities and ongoing initiatives.
However, the engagement began on 08 October 2026 with a media networking session held at Aloe Green Farm in Komani’s central business district (CBD).
Acting Chief Director of Provincial Operations, Patiswa Mbongwana highlighted the department’s commitment to improving service delivery. “We are committed to improving our services to meet citizen’s needs,” she said.
Furthermore, the session focused on showcasing improvements in UIF service delivery and the impact of projects funded through the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) in the province.
Assistant Director for the Labour Activation Programme (ASD:LAP), Luvo Siwisa said the programme’s funding is aimed at supporting both employed and unemployed people with a focus on vulnerable groups.
Siwisa explained that the funding supports employed UIF contributors, while 30% is allocated to unemployed people and persons with disabilities.
“ The programme aims to promote employment and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He further stated that the programme particularly targets young people and persons with disabilities with the aim of creating employment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship.
While, Deputy Director of Labour Centre Operations in Komani, Nozi Tetyana said the introduction of self service kiosks has helped reduce long queues and improve service delivery at labour centres.
“These kiosk make life easier for our clients,” said Tetyana.
Tetyana also highlighted the introduction of satellite offices, which she said are aimed at bringing government services closer to communities and reducing the need for people to travel long distances to access assistance.
In addition, the UIF said the engagements are aimed at strengthening communication with the media and stakeholders while highlighting the fund’s contribution to service delivery and communities in the province.
The Head of Communications at the UIF, Trevor Hattingh explained that contributors cannot access their UIF contributions as ordinary savings because the fund operates as a safety net for workers when they experience periods of unemployment or require financial assistance.
Hattingh emphasised that UIF operates on an accumulated credit system with contributions deducted from employee’s salaries each month to provide support when they need it.
“It is not a savings account, it is a safety net,” Trevor said.Trevor also highlighted the importance of protecting businesses and creating employment opportunities, urging business owners to work with the UIF to contribute to economic development.
He further stated that R56 Billion has been set aside to create opportunities and invest in businesses that are willing to contribute to job creation, particularly for South Africa’s youth.
The UIF reaffirmed its commitment to improving service delivery, reducing waiting times and creating job opportunities for young people and persons with disabilities in the Eastern Cape.
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