Ters payments halted amid probe by auditor-general
Business Unity South Africa and Business for South Africa say the payment of the government's Covid-19 relief scheme has been halted pending an investigation by the auditor-general.
Ters is supposed to ensure that workers affected by the Covid-19 lockdown receive much-needed money.
It is understood that the auditor-general has launched a probe amid allegations of fraud and corruption.
Business for South Africa’s Robert Leigh believes it is unfair to halt all payments.
“The unilateral halting of all payments, and the very poor communication of the situation by the UIF leadership, is grossly unfair to all employees and their employers who have legitimate claims,” he says.
“That the UIF system is incapable of remedying the relatively small number of fraudulent claims without disadvantaging the millions of legitimate claimants is an indictment on the UIF system.”
He says the UIF needs to ask for help.
“A team from B4SA members is lined up to provide assistance on a pro bono basis, but so far this offer has not been taken up. Urgent intervention is required.
“B4SA remains committed to supporting employers and beneficiaries in accessing their Ters benefits and will continue to work with the UIF as far as possible, to identify and resolve operational challenges.”
LISTEN TO ROBERT LEIGH HERE:
Business Unity South Africa CEO Cas Coovadia says the lack of payments will affect both businesses and workers.
“It has a significant impact on workers snd employees and we would urge that whatever investigation underway be done as quickly as possible so that UIF can continue with payments but in the best mechanisms.
“This is indicative of the shocking actions we have seen of corruption on PPE procurement and we have to condemn this corruption, this shows that even when people are dying we have people in our societies and government who continue to loot.”
LISTEN TO CAS COOVADIA HERE: