Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 18 August 2023
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #COSATU affiliated trade unions are preparing for the ordinary CEC coming towards the end of this month #WorkerControl #MandelaMonth #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #Back2Basics #JoinCOSATUNow #ClassConsciousness |
Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin
‘Whoever sides with the revolutionary people in deed as well as in word is a revolutionary in the full sense’-Maoo
Our side of the story
18 August 2023
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Reminder to DENOSA members to apply for Old Mutual Scholarship for 2024 Academic Year!
- Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi finalises OHS Act and harsher penalties to non-compliant employers
- Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina says footwear and leather industry is key to economy
- Employment and Labour pays out KwaZulu-Natal Province workers
- South Africa
- COSATU message of support for UDF 40th anniversary celebrations
- POPCRU’s reaction to the latest released crime statistics
- COSATU rejects the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill's shocking undermining of the Constitution
- Government on Marikana related litigation
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Employing effective financing mechanisms for skills development can tackle inequality woes, says a new ILO report
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Reminder to DENOSA members to apply for Old Mutual Scholarship for 2024 Academic Year!
Dear DENOSA members.
This is a friendly reminder to DENOSA members, their dependant children, and spouses to apply for the Old Mutual Education Trust Scholarship for the 2024 academic year as the closing date is only two weeks away now.
DENOSA has noted that there are few matriculants who have applied thus far.
The closing date is the end of August 2023.
All the best.
…….
Applications for Old Mutual Education Trust Scholarship Programme Now Open for the 2024 Academic Year!
Members of DENOSA are hereby informed that Applications for the Old Mutual Education Trust Scholarship Programme for the 2024 academic year are now open to all paid-up DENOSA members, their spouses, dependent children and employees of DENOSA and their dependents.
Enclosed is the information on the criteria, the time-line of the process from application to the final decision as well as the closing date.
The closing date for applications is 31 of August 2023.
DENOSA encourages all its members to utilize this opportunity.
To apply, follow this link: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/.../the-old-mutual-education.../
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Applying for the Old Mutual Education Trust Scholarship?
Please note: The Old Mutual Education Trust allocates 60 scholarships each year. The final selection process is based on academic scores.
Eligibility Criteria:
NB: Membership refers to union members whose fees are fully paid and who are in good standing with their respective unions.
- You are a *paid-up member
- You are the spouse (as legally defined) of a member of one of the above-listed trade unions
- You are a child-dependant, younger than 25 years of age, of a member of one of the above-listed trade unions (includes an adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, or child of blood relation for which the union member is solely financially responsible)
- You are a full-time and permanent employee of one of the above-listed trade unions
- You are the spouse (as legally defined) of a full-time and permanent employee of one of the above-listed trade unions
- You are a child-dependant, younger than 25 years of age, of a permanent and full-time employee of one of the above-listed trade unions (includes an adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, or child of blood relation for which the union member is solely financially responsible)
- You intend to pursue your studies at an official public university in South Africa
- You are studying towards your first undergraduate degree (i.e. you may apply for a certificate level, diploma level, and first-degree level qualification. We do not fund second or postgraduate degrees)
*Paid-up: union membership fee payments are up to date.
DENOSA wishes you all the best of luck!!
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Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi finalises OHS Act and harsher penalties to non-compliant employers
17 Aug 2023
Employment and Labour in the process to finalise the OHS Act and harsher penalties to follow the non-compliant employers – Deputy Minister Moloi
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that 2.3 million people die annually due to work related accidents or diseases and in an attempt to adverse the scourge in South Africa, the Department of Employment and Labour is in the process of strengthening the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect the vulnerable workers in the country.
This includes the changing of the tide against employers who have been ducking and diving to avoid penalties should they be found guilty of non-compliance.
The Department of Employment and Labour Deputy Minister was today (17 August 2023) addressing the august sitting of the 2023 National OHS Conference under the theme: “Prevention of Injuries and Diseases in Iron and Steel Sector”, at the Emerald Resort and Casino at Vanderbijlpark, in Gauteng.
The Deputy Minister, during her keynote address, told the business stakeholders that the occupational diseases and accidents usually result in significant costs to the employers, employees and economies.
“It is estimated that the annual direct and indirect costs resulting from occupational diseases and accidents, is approximately 4 percent of the global gross domestic product. As poor occupational health and safety practices affect the economy, our country needs to ensure that decent work principles, as prescribed by the International Labour Organization, are adhered to,” said the Deputy Minister.
South Africa is a signatory to a number of ILO Conventions; including Convention 155, which centres around Occupational Health and Safety. During the International Labour Conference of 2022; Occupational Health and Safety was adopted as a Fundamental Right. The attainment of workplaces that are free of occupational health and safety hazards; is one of the critical elements of Decent Work.
“The purpose of this call – for safe and healthy environment - is further clarified in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. At this juncture, I need to point out that we are at an advanced stage of finalising the incorporation of public comments into the OHS Amendment Bill - an integral part of the process of reforming the Act.
“Once the process is completed, we will have an OHS Act that is enabled to mete out minimum requirements for a viable Health and Safety system, as well as to impose heavier penalties on recalcitrant and non-compliant workplaces,” said Deputy Minister Moloi.
The Deputy Minister said there should not be any undermining of the value of stakeholder dialogue, and she added that all hands need to be on deck if we want to move towards vision zero accidents.
“One cannot overemphasise the need to ensure that all workers deserve a safe and healthy working environment and have a right to return home from work, safe and healthy,” she said.
Ms Moloi said the iron and steel sector has been identified as one of the high-risk sectors in South Africa and this is as a result of the high number of incidents recorded by the Compensation Fund.
She said iron and steel contributed about 22 percent of injuries in the previous financial year, however, incidents have been reduced over the past few years, and the trend in the iron and steel sector has more or less remained constant.
The quest is now for every role player to embark on reducing incidents in the sector and the Department has conducted blitz inspections prior to this conference, as one of the interventions to create awareness and to improve compliance.
“As a matter of fact, my department has just concluded the investigation of a workplace, near this very venue, wherein most of those complaints were found to be true. Needless to say that the workplace was decisively dealt with. We continue to work with the Department of Home Affairs, as well as the South African Police Service, to address the issue of companies employing foreign undocumented workers. Arrests have been made in the Meyerton area.
“It is through campaigns (‘O kae molao’ and ‘Vulindlela’) of this nature that we ensure that compliance is improved. In keeping with the developments within our legal framework, we have promulgated a number of regulations such as: Ergonomic Regulations, Commercial Diving Regulations, Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations, Asbestos Abatement Regulations and Major Hazardous Installations Regulations,” said Deputy Minister Moloi.
The Conference is going for the last day tomorrow Friday (18 August 2023) and media is invited to attend.
For
more information, contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: Teboho....@labour.gov.za(link
sends e-mail)
Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour
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Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina says footwear and leather industry is key to economy
17 Aug 2023
Footwear and Leather Industry Key to the Economy and Can Create Much-Needed Jobs – Deputy Minister Gina
The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina says the footwear and leather industry is key to the economy and can create much-needed jobs. Gina was speaking during a business-to-business networking event at the Coastlands Hotel, Durban last night. The event was hosted by the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) and the eThekwini Municipality Footwear and Leather Cluster.
The event was attended by manufacturers in the footwear, handbag and leather goods industry, as well as representatives of provincial and national government, partner stakeholders, and retailers.
According to Gina, during COVID-19 pandemic, the industry experienced significant profit decline and this resulted in job losses from 10 622 to 8 831 workers. But she said the sector has demonstrated a strong resiliency despite these economic shocks.
“Government believes that the industry will turn the corner and get back to the pre-COVID profitability and growth. We will continue to support this industry through incentives and seeing to it that the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan 2030 targets are achieved,” said Gina.
“This industry is one of those that are labour intensive. And because of that, when it grows it creates jobs. For government, the biggest pressure we have is to create more jobs as fast as we can to solve social problems, including youth unemployment. It is for this reason that we want more Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and starter-ups emerging within this sector and creating jobs,” expressed Gina.
She urged the industry to take up opportunities that are emerging in the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement which seeks to improve intra-Africa trade. She said becoming a continental player is critical for South African companies.
“Undoubtedly, a market of 1.3 billion population, with a combined Gross domestic product (GDP) of $3.4 billion cannot be overlooked,” said Gina.
Gina also pointed out that South Africans are known to consume what they do not produce and it was high time the status quo changed.
“We need to start wearing and eating proudly South African products and export more of these quality South African brands which will translate into more revenue,” said Gina.
The South African Footwear and Leather Export Council is the recognised body representing and promoting the South African footwear, leather, handbags, belts and allied industries in international markets.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLuk...@thedtic.gov.za(link
sends e-mail) /mediare...@thedtic.gov.za(link
sends e-mail)
Issued by: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
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Employment and Labour pays out KwaZulu-Natal Province workers
16 Aug 2023
UIF pays out R9.3 billion in KwaZulu-Natal Province to sustain 774370 workers during and after the covid-19 pandemic
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has since March 2020 date paid out an amount of R9.3 billion to 774370 workers in KwaZulu-Natal province as part of its Covid-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (Covid-19 TERS).
A separate R2.4 billion was disbursed by the UIF to 272 889 workers and their beneficiaries as normal benefits, including unemployment, maternity, illness and death, in the 2022/2023 financial year.
Furthermore, to this the UIF also paid out an amount of R17.7 million to 5571 workers in the province through the Workers Affected by Unrest (WABU) temporary financial relief scheme.
Details of the various payments to KwaZulu-Natal based clients were revealed today, 16 August 2023, by UIF Commissioner, Teboho Maruping at a media briefing that took place at the Royal Hotel in Durban Central.
The R9.3 billion disbursed to workers arose from 34 840 Covid-19 TERS applications the UIF received from employers, according to Maruping.
The Commissioner said the top 10 sectors that received the lion's share of the R9.3 billion are Trade, Personal, Construction, Iron, Professional, Textile, Air, Entertainment, Food and Education.
The UIF has to date paid out an overall R64 billion to at least 5 million workers across the country through Covid-19 TERS.
Mr Smiso Nkosi, a Manager in the UIF Commissioner's office, informed journalists that Forensic Auditors of the UIF are continuing to audit companies in the province as well as around the country, to ensure that the correct amounts of Covid-19 TERS monies were paid over to workers at the right time.
A total of R2.6 billion has been recovered by the UIF through phases one and two of the Fund’s “follow the money” project which is auditing companies that benefited from Covid-19 TERS. The audits have found various instances of fraud related to employers who applied for ghost employees, had applications with inflated salaries, who made applications for terminated employees and who made applications whilst being allowed to operate as essential services during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Nkosi said measures are being implemented to deal with employers who refused to cooperate with “follow the money" auditors. These include:
· Referral of cases to the Special Investigating Unit and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) for criminal investigation;
· Refunding of all Covid-19 TERS funds;
· Blocking of employers from the UIF's service offerings; and
· Blacklisting of employers from doing business with the UIF.
Monwabisi Mangcotywa from the UIF's Risk and Fraud Unit in KwaZulu-Natal province revealed that more than 20 suspects had been arrested through joint investigations for Covid-19 TERS-related fraud. Mangcotywa said the matters are all still before the courts.
According to Mangcotywa, the UIF is taking disciplinary action against officials who are implicated in fraud cases as well as those who are alleged to have solicited bribes from clients to expedite claims at labour centres in the province. A total of officials were undergoing disciplinary cases for fraud in KwaZulu-Natal. Of that, four officials were dismissed, while another two were arrested. The remaining cases are still pending.
Clients or members of the public can report any corrupt activities or fraud on the UIF Fraud Hotline: 0800 601 148 or to the Department of Employment & Labour hotline: 0860 666 883.
With regards to job creation and preservation UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said 7 564 jobs were preserved by the UIF in quarter 1 during the 2023/2024 financial year through the Labour Activation Programme (LAP).
The UIF is an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour, mandated to provide short-term financial relief benefits to qualifying and contributing workers and their beneficiaries.
Media enquiries:
Trevor
Hattingh
UIF Director: Communications
Cell: 067 410 4099
E-mail:Medi...@labour.gov.za(link
sends e-mail)
Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour
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COSATU message of support for UDF 40th anniversary celebrations
Matthew Parks, COSATU Acting National Spokesperson & Parliamentary Coordinator, 17 August 2023
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will join the 40th anniversary celebrations of the United Democratic Front (UDF) that will take place at 13h00 on Sunday 20 August at Johannesburg City Hall and in similar events across the country.
This is a moment to pay tribute to the countless heroes, from Oscar Mpetha to Elijah Barayi and Nana Abrahams, who built the UDF on the factory floors and offices, at schools and universities, in our churches and mosques, in civics and unions, in prisons and from exile.
Their indomitable efforts made the UDF and its allies, including COSATU, into a formidable force that finally broke the apartheid regime in spite of its powerful security forces.
The UDF was able to mobilise millions of South Africans from all races, classes, religions and regions in support for a democratic constitutional order and the Freedom Charter’s vision for a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it and where all would find work, housing, education, healthcare, safety and a better life for all.
We have made great strides in achieving many of the UDF’s noble goals, from a robust constitutional democracy, to repealing racist laws, to the biggest roll out of municipal and public services to working class communities, providing social grants for 27 million indigent people and rolling out infrastructure to disadvantaged communities.
Whilst much progress has been made, we cannot afford to be complacent or to delude ourselves into believing that we can continue with business as usual with an unemployment rate of 42.1%, rising levels of poverty and inequality, the most unequal society in the world, crises of loadshedding and cable theft, austerity budget cuts and deteriorating municipal and public services, and endemic crime and corruption.
The non-racial and non-sexist and working class biased vision of the UDF is showing signs of strain as the nation struggles to meet its many challenges.
The unifying spirit of the UDF and the progressive vision of the Freedom Charter remain as relevant today as it did when the UDF was launched that August day in 1983 in Rocklands, Mitchell’s Plain.
It is critical that not only does the ANC and the Alliance rejuvenate and embrace its call to action, but in fact all South Africans too.
Issued by COSATU.
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POPCRU’s reaction to the latest released crime statistics
Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU Media and Communication Officer, 18 August 2023
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has noted the latest quarterly crime statistics released by the Minister of Police Bheki Cele earlier today.
While noting that there are recorded reductions in some crime categories, including the murder rate by 3,1% and sexual offences by 2,1%, there has been an increase of 7% in the attempted murder category.
Most concerning is that the most reported cases of murder come from both Kwa Zulu-Natal’s Inanda and Umlazi police stations, while the other province with such high figures remains the Western Cape through the Delft, Gugulethu and Harare police stations.
Comparatively observing, these minimal reductions should be a concern to the South African Police Service (SAPS) since ideally, crime statistics are supposed to serve as a tool with which to provide our law enforcement agencies with data for use of determining budgetary formulations, planning and the allocation of resources and police operations.
The above points to the capacity of the SAPS, and puts to question the extent within which resources are channelled to stations in ensuring they are able to service communities.
These unabated patterns are but a reflection of the deep-rooted capacity challenges faced by our police officers across different communities, wherein despite being aware of the crime conditions, are limited by the availability of resources to make any real interventions.
Inanda in Kwa Zulu-Natal is one such case, wherein there is only 1 police station servicing a population of just over 158 619 people, therefore making it difficult for law enforcement officers to be consistently available to address such crime challenges.
These incapacities include the uneven allocation of resources, poor working conditions and the shortages of ammunition and training among others.
It is always vital that when reflecting on the rising crime statistics, we not only blame it on police, but take a broad approach that considers the broader socio-economic conditions faced by the populace, including the implications thereof which lead to the conditions our law enforcement officers have to contend with, hence our call for an upcoming Policing Indaba to be held in the next week is aimed at addressing the escalating levels of violent crimes, abuse on women and children, drug trafficking, violent protests, the continued unabated police killings that have in recent times become prevalent across our communities among other issues.
It is premised on the intensification and expansion of work that should be undertaken with various sectors of society, business and communities to prevent and combat crime, and requires the mobilisation of broader responsibility and a more proactive approach on crime prevention.
We further call for the criminal justice cluster to address its fragmented structures as it is currently operating in silos, with different departments operating differently while relying on each other’s inputs in conducting their mandated functions.
There is a need to establish synergy between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the SAPS and the Judiciary, with the SAPS accounting for the arrests made, the Judiciary accounting for the number convictions and prosecutions, while the Department of Correctional Services accounts for the number of incarcerations.
This will assist in determining consolidated future budgets that should bring about a correlated approach within the CJC instead of the current continued situation wherein every department works blindly, and in isolation of one another.
Issued by POPCRU
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Government on Marikana related litigation
17 Aug 2023
Government Provides Comprehensive Update on Marikana Related Litigation: A Journey towards Justice and Healing
On this solemn occasion of the Marikana tragedy commemoration, the Government of the Republic of South Africa takes a significant stride in transparency and accountability by presenting an extensive update on the progress of Marikana-related litigation. This comprehensive update reflects our commitment to justice and healing, emphasizing our dedication to addressing the intricate complexities surrounding this tragic event and its aftermath.
Background
and Purpose:
The Marikana tragedy of August 16, 2012, has indelibly marked our nation's memory, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of social, economic, and political challenges. Following this heart-wrenching incident, various legal claims sought to address
the suffered losses. The Government remains steadfast in navigating this intricate landscape with principles of justice, accountability, and compassion as our guiding lights.
Status
of Litigation and Comprehensive Claims
Over time, committed legal representatives have fervently pursued justice on behalf of the affected families. The Government proactively engaged with these representatives, recognizing the necessity of addressing the filed claims. These claims encompass a broad
spectrum, including loss of support, medical expenses, general damages, and the introduction of the concept of Constitutional Damages, which emerged later in the process.
- Wits Law Clinic: A claim for loss of support by Ledingoane dependents has been settled for R3, 995,121.00, providing solace to those enduring the anguish of loss.
- Socio Economic Right Institute of South Africa (SERI): Acknowledging the intricacies of claims managed by SERI, it is noted that loss of support claims for 34 families have been settled, amounting to R71, 230,491.00. The novel concept of Constitutional Damages, inspired by broader societal concerns, introduces an additional layer of complexity, necessitating rigorous legal examination.
- Maluleke Msimang Attorneys: Legal claims on behalf of plaintiffs have been resolved, extending reparatory measures for 15 plaintiffs encompassing injuries, arrests, and detentions, achieving a comprehensive settlement of R77,034,643.70.
- Tlhatlha Attorneys: Amidst a backdrop of resolving the claims of 17 plaintiffs subjected to assault and gunshots, progress is underway, with certain claims still undergoing verification and examination, amounting to a settlement of R51, 803,863.66.
- Nkome Attorneys: Compensation totaling R102, 305,000.00 has been granted to 264 plaintiffs who experienced arrest and detention, with ongoing efforts for the remaining claims.
Quantum
Paid and Residual Issues
A total sum of R330, 445,630.37 has been disbursed to date, affirming the Government's commitment to addressing the grievances of affected families. Acknowledging lingering residual issues, the emergence of Constitutional Damages—a significant development post-
litigation commencement—introduces intricate legal considerations. Our State Attorneys, guided by their instructions, have conscientiously engaged with this evolving legal argument.
Path
Forward: Towards Justice and Healing
The Marikana tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive healing and shared commitment to justice. Navigating the complexities of litigation, we earnestly invite all stakeholders, including the mining industry, to collaboratively foster
understanding, empathy, and reconciliation. Healing and justice are intertwined, and a victim-centered approach remains paramount.
Conclusion
In culmination, remarkable strides have been realized in orchestrating and harmonizing Marikana litigation. The resolution of numerous claims attests to our commitment to justice and due process. However, the introduction of "Constitutional Damages" introduces
residual considerations, provoking contemplation at the crossroads of law and ethics. Navigating this intricate landscape, we remain dedicated to fairness, legal certainty, and established protocols.
Issued on behalf of the Office of the Solicitor-General by the Government Communication and Information System
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms.
Nomonde Mnukwa
Acting Government Spokesperson (GCIS)
Cell: 083 653 7485
Issued by: Government Communications
International-Solidarity
Employing effective financing mechanisms for skills development can tackle inequality woes, says a new ILO report
17 August 2023
The study analyses pros and cons of practices around the world, shedding light on the policy options to improve access to and participation in skills development and lifelong learning of disadvantaged people.
BANGKOK (ILO News) – Governments, policymakers, and the social partners should consider reviewing and adopting the use of financial mechanisms – existing at home or implemented elsewhere – for skills development and lifelong learning to enhance participation of disadvantaged groups of people, a new global report of the International Labour Organization (ILO) finds.
The report, entitled Financing mechanisms
for promoting social inclusion in skills and lifelong learning systems: Global overview of current practices and policy options , is the
first global study that analyses the effectiveness of existing financing instruments targeting individuals, training providers and enterprises. It also recommends how these instruments should
be contextualized and better applied in developed and developing countries to ensure that training reach those who need it the most.
The report comes at a crucial time as the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated existing inequalities globally.
A person with a disability from Toledo City on the Philippine island of Cebu works at a construction site. © ILOPeople in rural communities, women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, young people, the elderly and workers in the informal economy often
face higher barriers to access and participate in skills development systems. This contributes to lower labour force participation and a persistent gender wage gap.
Skills development can promote their employability, enhance productivity and competitiveness of enterprises and support economic diversification and productive transformation of economies.
The report pinpoints that governments, policy makers and social partners should be informed by the effectiveness of the mechanisms implemented elsewhere to fit their local contexts or review and re-engineer those instruments that are proved to be ineffective
to better serve disadvantaged groups.
The report finds that the most suitable financial incentives for encouraging training among disadvantaged individuals are properly-designed grants, targeted training vouchers, subsidies, allowances or tuition fee approaches. Lending, meanwhile, should be designed
in a way that supports and reassures debt-averse low-income people.
The report highlights that some instruments, such as untargeted free technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for all, tax-based incentives in contexts of high informality, and co-financing elements that do not cover both indirect and direct costs,
can be ineffective leaving many disadvantaged persons behind.
“Non-financial instruments are often more effective if coupled with financial instruments which are designed to address financial barriers associated with participating in training,” said Jordi Prat Tuca, Regional Technical and Programme Coordinator of the
ILO-UK Skills for Prosperity Programme in South-East Asia which commissioned the report.
“Meanwhile, financing schemes that are not sufficiently focused on addressing the disadvantage often see financial support go to those who are able to pay for the training anyway,” added Mr Prat Tuca.
The most effective financing incentives for encouraging training providers to promote social inclusion in skills and lifelong learning systems are performance-based contracts as well as procurement and contracting approaches that explicitly take into account
access to and participation in the skills systems by disadvantaged groups. These approaches are not widely used yet and governments might consider expanding its use, the report says.
The report also highlights some effective financing mechanisms for enterprises. These include targeted grants, tax incentives or differentiated levy payments that can be made available to formal sector enterprises to encourage them to train their more disadvantaged
workers.
However, untargeted or blanket approaches might be ineffective in promoting social inclusion given that they are designed to increase overall training and not designed with inclusion in mind.
Meanwhile, small enterprises, especially informal sector businesses in many low- and middle-income countries are likely to have high levels of disadvantaged owner-operators and informal employers. Additionally, they are the hardest to reach. The report recommends
that providing grant funding to intermediary organizations, such as employers and business membership organizations, training providers and non-governmental organisations, is the most common approach to reaching this group.
“Schemes without a co-financing or repayment requirement such as stipends and allowances to individuals and grants to enterprises are more suited to disadvantaged individuals and micro- and small enterprises,” said Mr Prat Tuca.
“This is because disadvantaged individuals and micro and small enterprises may be unable to co-finance direct or indirect costs linked to training,” he added.
The report indicates that financing mechanisms should be applied alongside non-financial measures such as awareness raising, target-setting schemes, and guidance and counselling to bring about a holistic approach.
Governments can start by undertaking a review of current financing mechanisms in their countries with the objective to better understand the root causes of social exclusion from skills and lifelong learning among disadvantaged people and strengthen monitoring
and evaluation so that implementing agencies can confirm that they are reaching those individuals they intended to.
Improving awareness and understanding of financial incentive schemes and labour market information among disadvantaged persons directly, and improve awareness of such incentive schemes among firms and potential intermediary organizations is also vital, says
the report.
______________________________
Norman Mampane (Shopsteward Editor)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
110 Jorissen Cnr Simmonds Street, Braamfontein, 2017
P.O.Box 1019, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 339-4911 Direct line: 010 219-1348