Efforts so far to deal with job losses caused by the recession – such as the training lay-off scheme, assistance to distressed companies and proposals by business and labor for a jobs pact – are limited in scope.
President Jacob Zuma said earlier this month that, despite the recession ending, further job losses were expected before these efforts took effect.
The plan to create 500 000 work opportunities was certainly an ambitious target in this climate. But 304 000 people have already benefited from temporary work and the opportunity to develop basic skills.
Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge said recently he was confident that the work opportunity target could be reached by the end of the year.
Although temporary, this program, combined with other social support, has gone some way to alleviating the effects of the recession. But seemingly more effective have been measures that the government put in place years ago, and which this year became a vital safety net for the millions who are unemployed.
Unemployment insurance, which was extended to domestic workers in 2003, is an example. The rehabilitation of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) since 2005 from a shambolic state has enabled it to support some of those who have recently lost their jobs.
Source: Africa World News