Two months down the line and 1100 Ilembe students still haven’t received their R2000 stipend

The beneficiaries of a training programme worth R7.9 billion marched to the labour department in KwaDukuza on Thursday, after they did not receive their monthly stipend for two months.

The programme was launched by the minister in the presidency responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and minister of labour Mildred Oliphant at Sugar Rush Park on April 24, after the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund (CF) partnered with 32 state-owned training institutions to implement training of close to 160 000 students, with the aim of creating entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal.

Enterprise iLembe was granted charge of 1100 students in the Ilembe District. The students are enrolled in learnership programmes for 12 months and receive monthly stipends of R2000.

There are 11 learning programmes and these include new venture creation, general travel, accommodation services, mixed farming, plant production, poultry production, pest control, farming, generic management and water and waste water treatment process operation.

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One of the beneficiaries Khethokwakhe Gumede said they had given the department of labour seven days to respond to their memorandum.

“We need to know why were did not get paid in September and we have also not received our stipend for October.

“There are lots of issues that we need to be clarified with this programme.”

Enterprise iLembe CEO Nathi Nkomzwayo said as the implementing agent of the programme in the Ilembe district, it was responsible for facilitation and coordination which includes the recruitment, training and payment of stipends.

“UIF transfers funds in three months advance tranches to Enterprise iLembe and students are paid in arrears. On completion of the first tranche (end August 2019), Enterprise iLembe submitted all relevant documentation at the beginning of September 2019 to the Department of Labour UIF Office for release of the 2nd tranche payment. All due diligence was completed by the UIF team however to date we have not received payment, Enterprise iLembe is unfortunately unable to pay the stipends until funds are received from UIF,” said Nkomzwayo.

He said this has negatively impacted the programme as students are unable to attend classes as they have no money for transport and rent.

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“We have been in constant communication with students through their elected representatives to update and explain the situation. We fully empathize with the learners and are trying our very best to resolve the non-payment of the 2nd tranche by the Department of Labour, UIF.”

UIF spokesperson Makhosonke Buthelezi said the students needed to be patient, they would get their stipend.

“It is not only the students from Ilembe district but everyone in KZN,”he said.

Buthelezi said the programme had experienced numerous challenges including students fraudulently having their peers sign into classes for them and payment of stipends being done incorrectly.

“But I can assure you it would be sorted out very soon.”

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