Stipend delays spark protests across Northern Cape

WHILE the month of June is dedicated to the youth, thousands of young people across the Northern Cape have been left disillusioned and deprived of stipends owed to them through a government-funded learnership programme meant to empower them with skills and work experience.

Their frustrations boiled over this week when affected participants demanded urgent intervention by blocking traffic on the R31 and barricading the road with burning tyres and rocks.

Police from Delportshoop, along with the Public Order Police Unit from Kimberley, responded to the protest at the Longlands intersection on the R31 on June 18.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said disgruntled community members had blocked the road with burning tyres from around 9.30am.

“Members from the Public Order Police dispersed the crowd and the road has been reopened. Police will continue to monitor the situation,” she said.

Groups of poverty-stricken participants also gathered outside the provincial offices of the Department of Labour this week, demanding answers.

“We are tired of waiting. Must we resort to violence in order to be paid what is owed to us?” they asked.

Complaints of non-payment since the programme began three months ago have been received from participants in Kimberley, Barkly West, Gong Gong, Delportshoop, Kuruman, Prieska, and Longlands.

Some participants said they were forced to abandon their training as they could not afford transport to attend classes.

“We need money for food, taxi fare, and data to do research and complete assignments. We were verbally promised monthly stipends of between R2,000 and R3,500. Many of us are committed to completing the training offered in fields such as security, plumbing, electrical work, and agriculture so that we can find employment.”

They indicated that legal representatives were now involved after some training providers’ funds were frozen.

“We submitted our CVs to the Department of Labour, not the training companies. We haven’t received any stipends since the start of the programme,” the participants said.

Several training providers have indicated that classes would be temporarily suspended due to delays in the payment of stipends, security concerns, and general uncertainty.

One service provider said payments for learnership programmes involving 1,500 learners in Kuruman and 1,000 in Dikgatlong were at an “advanced stage.” They gave the assurance that “no learner would be left behind”.

“We have submitted all the necessary documentation. We are actively engaging with our funders and doing everything possible to expedite the process,” they said.

They explained that the delays were due to administrative red tape.

“No one receives advance payments because this arrangement was open to abuse by unscrupulous service providers. Funds are received based on the submission of invoices for services rendered, and stipends are paid to learners who have attended all their classes. No payment is processed if there are any discrepancies.” 

The service provider stated that there are over 35,000 learners enrolled in learnership programmes in the Northern Cape.

“There are funds available, and they have not been embezzled. However, the verification of invoices and attendance registers takes time, which has led to a backlog. We appeal to learners to be patient and to continue attending classes while payments are processed.”

He added that learners in Kuruman who began training in the first week of March had received their stipends, while the second group, who started on March 15, would be paid next.

“The full cohort from Dikgatlong, who began on April 1, is next in line to receive their stipends.”

He confirmed that they were aware that 13 learners had been apprehended in connection with the protest on the R31.

“It is unfortunate that learners believe protesting will speed up payments.”

EFF labour desk provincial co-ordinator Vusi Raphoto said they were willing to assist affected learners.

“We have registered a case with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and are working through the National Security Commercial and General Workers Union to intervene, as learners in the Dikgatlong region cannot attend classes without their stipends or any sustenance.”

Department of Labour spokesperson Teboho Thejane said the department was awaiting a report on delays in payments to implementing partners who were appointed to provide theoretical training, practical experience, and job placement upon completion.

“The department will intervene if service providers have not fulfilled their duties in line with the memorandum of understanding,” he said.

Thejane added that stipends would be paid in tranches once all requirements were met.