Govt extends special UIF COVID-19 benefit
The Unemployment Insurance Fund's (UIF) special benefit for companies and workers hard-hit by the coronavirus crisis, has been extended until mid-August.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says from the R500 billion social relief and economic support package - R34 billion was paid out between April and June.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Thursday night.
He says 7.5 million workers have benefited from the scheme so far.
"We continue to provide assistance – in the form of loans, grants and debt restructuring – to small businesses, spaza shop owners and other informal businesses.
"Special assistance has also been provided to businesses in the tourism, sports and creative industries. To date, a total of R1.5 billion in support has been provided to all these businesses."
It's helped grant beneficiaries.
"By the end of this month, an additional R15 billion will have been paid out to social grant recipients. Over 4.4 million people have now received the special COVID-19 grant, which assists those who are unemployed and do not receive other forms of support.
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"So far, an amount of R2.2 billion has been paid out to these recipients. There were delays in paying this amount but future payments will be made more quickly now that the necessary systems are in place. As we announced, this grant will continue to be paid over the full six-month period."
Updating the nation on government's COVID-19 efforts, Ramaphosa lauded the country's response to the global pandemic.
He says they've established a centre that will coordinate and strengthen the efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent and prosecute COVID-related corruption.
"These are the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Hawks, Crime Intelligence and the SAPS Detective Service, the South African Revenue Service, the Special Investigating Unit and the State Security Agency."
