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"Employers can continue to register their domestic workers until April 30, however the first payment for UIF contributions is due by May 7, 2003," said Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana, at Pretoria Station today, April 1, 2003.

Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana, was among commuters on a Pretoria train bound for Johannesburg to distribute pamphlets and engage with workers.

"It is every worker's right to have access to UIF benefits. We, at the Department of Labour, are doing whatever is necessary to assist employers to register their workers because it is the right thing to do," said Mdladlana.

Employers who have not registered their domestic workers face a fine of up to R5000 or possible jail time.

Commenting on the UIF a worker, Mrs Miriam Ramela, said, "It is good to see the Minister taking time to talk to the people and explain the law, we are encouraged by the work that the Department is doing on our behalf."

The new legislation means that domestic workers will have access to unemployment, illness, maternity, adoption and dependants benefits provided that they are registered with and have made contribution to the UIF.

To date the Unemployment Insurance Fund has received applications from almost
20 000 employers of domestic workers with 10 000 applications arriving via facsimile per day, 14 000 on the Department of Labour web site and 815 telephone calls received by the UIF call centre per hour.

"There are approximately 800 000 domestic workers in the South African Labour Market, it is our intention to have at least 300 000 of these workers registered with UIF by April 30, 2003.

"This is a key milestone in the Government's relentless effort to extend the social safety net to the most vulnerable sector of the South African Labour market," explains Mdladlana.

Contact: Dr Snuki Zikalala on 082 809 3195

Issued by Department of Labour

1 April 2003