By Nomfundo Mbatha
A UIF-funded learnership programme launched by Makana Municipality in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour and Chippa United has sparked frustration among residents after being announced at extremely short notice.
The programme, which offers 150 positions in fields such as Fit & Turner and New Venture Creation, was made public on Thursday last week, just before the application date of Friday, 23 May. With the deadline already passed, many prospective applicants voiced concerns about the limited time they had to prepare the necessary documents and submit their applications. Some were arguing about the fact that other places that are also part of Makana were not included in the programme. “What about people who stay outside Makhanda but are under Makana Municipality?” asked Dawie Roman, a Makhanda resident.
A Facebook user, Zikhona Lutshetu, said some people have never worked, so where would they get proof of UIF? “This is a joke, playing with people here.”
However, according to the publicity flyer, 70% of the programme’s participants must be individuals who have contributed to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) in the past, while the remaining 30% of slots are for unemployed youth. Candidates needed to apply in person at one of three halls in Makhana on the specified date between 8 am and 4 pm.
The programme promises stipends of R3,0000 for the 12-month Fit & Turner course, and R2,0000 for the three-month New Venture Creation course.
