EAST LONDON – The Department of Employment and Labour, Unemployment Insurance Fund(UIF) in partnership with Black Management Forum, an organisation focused on developing managerial leadership that reflects the values of South Africa, conducted an advocacy seminar for employers and SMMEs within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in East London, 19th July 2023.
The seminar’s aim was to promote an interaction between the Department of Employment and Labour and employees and business owners as key stakeholders regarding their obligations towards the most vulnerable employees.
“Our mandate is to make sure that each and every employer in the country complies with UIF legislation”, said Sphamandla Gumede of Compliance UIF.
In addition it is advised that employers that they register their employees with the UIF to protect themselves in the event of unemployment and they become a beneficiary to the compliance UIF.
“There is a lot of collection and ploughing of these funds back to the community to ensure South Africa remains an economic country”, Gumede added.
The Department of Employment and Labour provided SMMEs, NGOs and other business owners and their members information on key legislations administered by the department they have to comply with regarding their obligations towards their employees in order for their businesss to survive.
Trevor Hatton, Director of Communications in UIF said ,”this will also enable business, more especially SMMEs to be inclusive and participate in bigger opportunities to contribute to the economy”.
Black Management Business Forum is focused on making sure that SMMEs and everyone have equal opportunities and creating jobs for others. With their partnership with the department, their objective in the seminar was to create awareness in compliance with labour laws and educate employers on labour legislation such as Compensation for Occupational Injuries and diseases, Occupational Health and Safety act.
“We have achieved a meaningful engagement with everyone present”, said Thabisa Sigwela Chairperson of Black Management Forum in Buffalo City Region.
The Equity Employment Act by the Department of Employment and Labour is the brainchild of the BMF.
Additionally, Sigwela said “As the BMF, we welcome all sectors and amendment as long as they take us forward”.
In conclusion, employers and business owners should be sure of adhering to legislations and securing theirs and their employees’ forthcoming.
