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Brazen: When the government announced a relief package for workers whose livelihoods were affected by lockdowns in April 2020, Lindelani Gumede (above and left) allegedly immediately jumped into action, fraudulently registering three existing companies, and one he created, for Ters payments. He is then alleged to have kept the payouts, which should rightfully have gone to the affected workers. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
FIRST NATIONAL BANK

Luxury SUV allegedly bought with Ters payment fraud

Lindelani Gumede bought himself a luxury Audi Q2 and settled his brother’s R560 000 bond during a spending spree

  • Khaya Koko
6 min read
Employers affected by the recent unrest in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal will be able to apply for support through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) as soon as next week. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)
ZUMAUNREST

Companies affected by unrest can apply for support as soon as next week

Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi urges employers to be honest when applying for help

  • Eunice Masson
2 min read
In 2020, former finance minister Tito Mboweni Tito Mboweni announced his plan to reduce the public sector wage bill in an effort to squeeze some of the air out of the country’s ballooning debt and fiscal deficit. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
COVID 19

Mboweni extends R38bn to cope with double calamity of Covid-19 and unrest

The finance minister extended the Ters relief and the social distress relief grant, and also ensured businesses hit by looting can access insurance

  • Emsie Ferreira
3 min read
Lifeline: People queue at the labour department’s offices in Johannesburg to apply for UIF benefits during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
COVID 19

It will cost UIF up to R3.5-billion in Ters payments every week the lockdown is extended

Any further extensions of Ters payments will impede the UIF’s ability to pay normal claims for unemployment and parental leave

  • Sarah Smit
5 min read
BAZIL GOVENDER

Bus tour operators plead for help

The tourism transport sector was hammered during Covid-19 levels four and five and is asking the government for financial assistance

  • Tshegofatso Mathe
3 min read
The pandemic is testing the resilience of most economies, especially those of developing countries. (Madelene Cronjé)
CORONAVIRUS

All hands on deck, we’re trying to revive the economy

Existing government aid schemes must persist, and new ones created, at the same speed as Ters was set up, if we are to survive and thrive after the crisis

  • Duane Newman
6 min read
Despair: People queue to the end of the block at the Jo’burg labour department for UIF payments. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
AUDITOR GENERAL

UIF resumes relief payments after investigation delay

Temporary relief payments were suspended pending an investigation, but the UIF says it’s back on track

  • Thando Maeko
2 min read
Hyenas circle: President Cyril Ramaphosa can’t snuggle under his duvet while Ace Magashule (above) feathers his kids’ beds and tries to snatch the presidential blankie for himself. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
ACE MAGASHULE

False dawn gives Ace all the cards

The unrepentant, recalcitrant ANC secretary general thinks it’s okay for his and other wayward comrades’ kids to loot

  • Paddy Harper
4 min read
More equal: One can’t say much about the army lahnees’ ability to follow Covid-19 rules: distancing, masks and smoking . (newzroom afrika)
ANDREW MLANGENI

Some are more equal than others

It’s do what we say, not what we do, as the ANC lays Andrew Mlangeni to rest

  • Paddy Harper
4 min read
Environment minister Dion George says oceans could provide a R166 billion boost and 600 000 jobs. (Photo: Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
KWAZULU NATAL

Pay our Ters, with immediate effect

The president moved pretty fast to shut down the boozers, but he’s dragging his heels when it comes to sorting out the UIF

  • Paddy Harper
4 min read
Awaiting punters: Although there was some narrowing of the gap between men and women between April and June, women have still experienced greater job losses during the pandemic. The gender pay gap among the poor also widened during this period. (Michele Spatari/AFP)
ANC KWAZULU NATAL

Lockdown, day 105: When the chips are really down

Coronavirus statistics are now people we know. The pandemic affects us all and it’s hard to see light at the end of the tunnel

  • Paddy Harper
4 min read
Warning: Labour Minister Thulas Nexi told Parliament that the Unemployment Insurance Fund may have to get external funding if job losses surge. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
CAMERON MORAJANE

Unemployment fund, CCMA face jobs bloodbath

State bodies shielding workers have been weakened by budget cuts and high demands

  • Sarah Smit
  • Thando Maeko
5 min read
Danger lurks: A police official ensures people keep their distance. (Nardus Engelbrecht/Gallo Images)
JOURNALISM

Rabid denialist unhinged me

Paddy Harper’s getting a Covid-19 Ters payout, the government works and life is more free. He was happy until Maskless Muppet pitched

  • Paddy Harper
4 min read
Scalabrini launched a constitutional challenge against two sections of the Refugees Act as well as parts of its regulations. Photo: (David Harrison/M&G)
ASYLUM SEEKERS

South Africa excludes refugees and asylum seekers from Covid-19 aid

Despite being protected in South Africa by law, these groups have been swept aside when it comes to relief packages

  • Callixte Kavuro
5 min read
Women are disproportionately affected by climate impacts and economic exclusion. Photo: David Harrison/M&G
CORONA LEAD

Workers with noncompliant bosses can now access Covid-19 relief scheme

Last week the department of labour announced that more than R14-billion had been paid to workers, but some are still struggling to access the fund

  • Sarah Smit
2 min read
Food for thought: A Covid-19 quarantine area has been established for farm workers. (David Harrison)
AGRI PROCESSING FACTORIES

Fear and loathing in the fertile valley of Ceres

Workers in the agricultural and agri-business heartland – and Covid-19 hotspot – fear catching the disease but need the income; stigma stalks the sick; and younger people ignore…

  • Lester Kiewit
9 min read