KOMANI–The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) held the second day of its two day media engagement in Komani on 09 October 2026, hosting a Commissioner’s Breakfast Session at Queens Casino in Komani.
The session provided a platform for discussions on the Fund’s mandate, service delivery priorities and ongoing initiatives.The engagement aimed to give members of the media a better understanding of the UIF’s work and its efforts to improve service delivery and strengthen accountability in the Eastern Cape.
The commissioner’s breakfast session brought together the UIF Commissioner and stakeholders to engage on key matters relating to the fund’s responsibilities and its ongoing initiatives.
However, the session also provided an opportunity to discuss service delivery priorities, address specific areas of concern and explore the UIF’s efforts to improve its operations and ensure accountability.
Acting UIF Commissioner Thulani Tshefuta called on employers to open their doors to young people seeking employment opportunities, emphasising the fund’s commitment to supporting job creation and reducing unemployment.
“We call on all employers to open their doors to young people who are seeking employment opportunities. As the UIF, we are raising our hands to provide funding and support initiatives that will create more jobs and help reduce unemployment,” said Tshefuta.
He further highlighted the UIF’s commitment to supporting all students undertaking Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes by providing funding to enable them to gain practical workplace experience.
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Madoda Papiyana emphasised the importance of developing diverse skills to strengthen the local economy, highlighting the need to equip students with the necessary skills before they enter the workplace.
“We need various skills to contribute to our economy. This means we must focus on our students and equip them with the necessary skills before they are exposed to the industry,” said Papiyana.
Deputy Director of Public Employment Services (PES) at the Department of Employment and Labour, Trevor Ramncwana highlighted the department’s efforts to reduce unemployment in the Eastern Cape through initiatives aimed at improving access to employment opportunities.
“To help reduce the unemployment rate in our province, we have provided 30 self service kiosks in Mdantsane, where job seekers can register, create their CVs and apply for employment opportunities,” said Ramcwana.
He emphasised that the initiative aims to make job seeking services more accessible to unemployed residents, particularly young people seeking employment.
Tshefuta also highlighted improvements in service delivery, stating that the UIF has achieved a 99% rate in processing business registrations within a day.
Furthermore, he encouraged business partners and stakeholders to continue providing feedback on areas where the fund needs to improve its operations.
Tshefuta also announced that the Eastern Cape is expected to receive new buses in October as part of the fund’s efforts to strengthen its operations and improve service delivery.
He added that the fund remains dedicated to job preservation and providing financial support to employers to create and sustain employment opportunities.
The engagement reaffirmed the UIF’s commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening accountability and working with stakeholders to create sustainable employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape.
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