UIF Commissioner Pledges To Improve Service Delivery. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is dedicated to enhancing efficiency and the overall delivery of services to its clients. This commitment was reiterated by UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping during his visit to the Northern Cape this week. He emphasized the importance of addressing operational inefficiencies and improving the experience for South Africans relying on UIF services.
Inspection And Reporting
Commissioner Maruping, along with members of the Fund’s Audit, Risk and Fraud Committees and the UIF Board, conducted inspections of local UIF service points. These inspections are crucial for identifying issues and forming a comprehensive report to tackle operational challenges. “The issues found during inspections and client engagements will form part of a consolidated report that will assist us in eliminating operational inefficiencies,” said Maruping.
Upcoming Workshop
To further this goal, UIF plans to hold a workshop for its officials in September. This workshop aims to develop actionable plans to improve service delivery. Officials from across the country will collaborate with management and governance structures to create and implement solutions for short to medium-term improvements.
Points For Improvement
The consolidated report, based on inspections of UIF service points and client engagements, will serve as a foundation for discussions and actions for improvement. Maruping stated, “We are not just concentrating on service points for improvement, but looking at how to holistically better the UIF for the future.”
He highlighted the importance of governance structures understanding the realities faced by South Africans. “We wanted the board and all other governance structures of the fund to get a feel of what South Africans experience daily at the coalface of service delivery so that their guidance for improvement can be informed by realities on the ground,” he said.
Funding And Initiatives
In addition to addressing service delivery issues, Maruping mentioned that the initiative includes a review of the UIF’s governance structure, investments, and implemented Labour Activation Programmes. He pointed out that various steps have already been taken to reduce long queues at service points.
One notable partnership is with Absa South Africa, enabling clients to access pre-populated UI-2.8 forms at Absa ATMs. This partnership is part of a broader strategy to streamline services and make them more accessible.
New Service Platforms
UIF has introduced several new service platforms, including a USSD and Mobile App, to enhance service delivery. Free Wi-Fi has been installed at all labour centres, and strategic partnerships with Absa and Capitec Bank allow clients to obtain completed and stamped UIF 2.8 (bank forms) at ATMs, eliminating the need to travel to banks.
Commissioner Maruping concluded, “These steps are part of our ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and ensure that our clients have efficient and effective access to UIF services.”
Conclusion
The UIF’s commitment to improving service delivery is evident in its proactive measures and strategic partnerships. Through inspections, workshops, and the introduction of new service platforms, the UIF aims to address operational inefficiencies and enhance the overall experience for its clients.