MINISTER of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth has raised concern regarding recent public statements and unverified commentary about the online claims platform of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

Meth explained that on 1 April 2025, the UIF launched a new online platform – UIF Online – to replace the legacy uFiling employee claims portal.

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She said the new platform simplifies and accelerates claims processing by enabling direct client submissions, real-time claim tracking and automated communication throughout the claim lifecycle.

“Furthermore, it supports a self-service model, eliminating the need for third-party agents to assist clients with the submission of claims. The implementation of UIF Online has yielded positive results.

“By April 2026, the Fund had successfully processed and paid 4,558,971 claims, reflecting increased access to UIF services and growing utilisation of digital channels by workers,” she said.

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Meth further explained that in comparison, during the same review period, the Fund processed and paid 4,099,522 claims in 2023 and 3,547,006 claims in 2024 under the legacy uFiling system.

“These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the new platform in improving access to benefits and enhancing service delivery.

“To raise awareness of UIF Online, the Fund implemented a comprehensive communication and stakeholder engagement programme across multiple platforms and channels.

“This included awareness campaigns through various media platforms, guidance and support at Labour Centres nationwide, engagements with key stakeholders in all provinces, and the deployment of call centre agents to assist and direct clients to the new platform,” said Meth.

“It is important to clarify that the legacy uFiling platform consists of two separate components: the employee claims portal and the employer portal. The employee claims portal was officially closed on 20 May 2026 following the successful resolution of legal and contractual disputes associated with the legacy platform, as well as the completion of the required handover process.

“These legal disputes had previously prevented the UIF from decommissioning the employee claims portal,” she said.

She added that with the closing of the employee claims portal, her department assures clients that no applications were lost.
“Applications that were submitted on the uFiling platform have been stored in a separate database from where they are being analysed, verified against system controls and migrated into the new online platform.
“The employer portal remains fully operational and continues to provide services relating to employer registration, declarations and contributions. These functions are scheduled to be migrated to UIF Online by August 2026, bringing to a close the transition from the legacy uFiling platform,” she said.

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Minister Meth has cautioned against the dissemination of misinformation and unverified claims that have the potential to create unnecessary uncertainty and anxiety among workers and beneficiaries who rely on the services of the UIF.

“As public representatives, we have a responsibility to ensure that the information we share with the public is accurate, factual and in the interests of nation building. While constructive scrutiny is welcomed, the spread of misinformation and unverified claims can undermine public confidence and cause unnecessary panic,” she explained .”

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