Anger as companies and workers demand a resolution to the UIF crisis
Businesses and organized labor in South Africa are reportedly demanding that the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) be taken into administration and subjected to an independent investigation due to growing allegations of dysfunction and corruption. news 24. The UIF relies on contributions from employers and public sector employees but has been plagued by problems, resulting in significant delays for workers seeking benefits. The UIF is backed by around R130 billion of investments managed by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), but it has slightly underperformed against benchmarks, some of which have been tainted by corruption allegations. The latest scheme under scrutiny is the R5-billion 'Job Creation Scheme', in which the fund provides grants to Thuja Capital Fund to acquire shares in companies, which then hire more employees. The idea was to put pressure on them to hire them. Employment and Labor Minister Thulas Nxesi is considering suspending key UIF staff over the issue, but both companies and workers are concerned about payment delays caused by COVID-19 and the UIF's IT system. They are frustrated by the UIF's continued dysfunction and lack of corrective action, including issues such as: And operation.
Solar power theft is on the rise, but new security emerges
Solar energy is growing in popularity globally, but South Africa is reportedly facing a unique challenge with an increase in solar panel theft. news 24. Energy analyst Matthew Crews told News2 that the rise in theft has made solar safety measures more important in the country. Thefts have increased with the use of solar technology, as most solar equipment is imported and lacks standard security features. Eskom estimates that between March 2022 and June 2023, the output of its non-contracted solar panels will increase by 350%. To combat theft, South Africa has introduced safety measures such as clamps, battery epoxy and microdot technology to help track stolen goods. Microdots, small disks with a unique code, have proven effective in deterring theft and helping law enforcement identify stolen equipment, leading to increased demand for the technology. Connected.
Man shot dead in Cape Town
A man was reportedly killed in a suspected targeted shooting at the intersection of Bosmans Dam Road and Omramba Road in Milnerton, Cape Town, at around 8am on Wednesday (5 October 2023). IOL. The victim was shot at in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon by suspects riding two motorcycles. Western Cape police are investigating the killing, but the motive remains unclear. In another incident, a man was found with his head severed and placed inside a gift bag in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain. Authorities are investigating the incident, which is believed to be related to an ongoing feud between rival gangs in the area.
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