PHOTOS: Chaos at Labour Department in Pinetown, and Across South Africa

Chaos erupted at the Department of Labour offices across South Africa on Monday as people who had been queuing since as early as 04h00 were told that there was a problem and they would be returning home empty handed. Kierran Allen captured the photos on this page of the mood in Pinetown, KwaZulu Natal.

Large numbers of people also gathered at other labour centres nationwide to collect their R350 social grant – Alberton in Gauteng; Port Elizabeth, East London, Grahamstown, Graaf Reinet, Queenstown and Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape.

Kierran said: “People were angry when they were told that the Department of Labour offices would not be opening until they got a go ahead from head office.”

Today (Tuesday, 5 May), the Employment and Labour Dept said people needed to rather collect from the Social Development Department and that it (the Labour Dept) is responsible for payment of Unemployment Insurance, occupational injuries and diseases, but not social grants.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi reiterated that labour centres remain closed for the duration of the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown in order to “curb the spread of the virus by minimising and avoiding physical contact”.

Claims are still being processed but centres are not open to the public, said the Minister. (See details at bottom of article.)

Kierran, who has been on the scene in townships and in Durban centre, reporting on the lockdown, says yesterday’s problem was just one more issue being added to many surrounding the Covid-19 Lockdown and the effects it’s having on the unemployed.

“I had a few lengthy conversation with members of the community yesterday and they had nothing positive to say regarding the paperwork, system or silence from government to what is actually going on!” he said.

“Some people have not been able to claim a grant for the past three months due to system crashes, lost paperwork and just lack of communication from Government.”

Kierran is concerned. He says: “This lockdown will have the biggest effect on the unemployed with thousands left jobless and destitute, hungry and just reaching out for aid!”

“In this time surely procedures need to be airtight, and aid reaching the right people, instead of solidarity funds lining the wrong pockets.

“I know that’s a bold statement but what I’m seeing on the ground say’s something totally different to the 8 o’clock news!

“Corruption, failing systems, abuse of power, where does it end?” asks Kierran.

“Who suffers the most? Employers throwing employees to the curb!? Every man for himself!

“People are hungry and people are going to start doing things in desperation! That is the truth! South Africa sort your sh*t out…”

Unemployment Insurance beneficiaries are encouraged to submit their applications online and/or drop off their applications inside the drop-in facilities outside our labour centres countrywide.

Beneficiaries can submit claims via www.ufiling.co.za or alternatively contact the UIF on 0800 030 007.

Meanwhile in Pietermaritzburg scores of social grant beneficiaries queuing at post offices to draw their old age pension grant were sent home empty-handed because of a “system glitch”, according to South African Security Agency (SASSA) communication and marketing director Sandy Godlwana.

SASSA apologised profusely and asked affected beneficiaries to call SASSA customer care number 033 846 3400 or 0800 601 011.