UIF for employers

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a crucial resource for employees in South Africa who have lost their jobs due to retrenchment, dismissal, or other reasons beyond their control. However, as an employer, it is just as important for you to understand the UIF and the role you play in facilitating its benefits.

In this article, we will discuss what UIF is, how it works, and what you need to do as an employer to ensure that your employees can access the benefits they are entitled to.

What is UIF?

The UIF is a government-managed fund that provides temporary relief to workers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to illness, maternity, or adoption leave. The fund is financed by contributions from both employers and employees, and it is governed by the Unemployment Insurance Act.

How does UIF work?

Every employer is required by law to register their employees for UIF and make monthly contributions to the fund. The contributions are based on a percentage of the employee’s gross salary, and the current rate is set at 1% for the employer and 1% for the employee.

If an employee loses their job, they can apply to the UIF for financial assistance. The amount of the benefit is calculated based on the employee’s salary and the length of time they have been contributing to the fund. The maximum amount of UIF that an employee can receive is 60% of their salary, subject to certain limits.

As an employer, what do I need to do?

  1. Register for UIF

The first step in ensuring that your employees can access UIF benefits is to register with the UIF. You can do this by completing the necessary forms and submitting them to the UIF office in your area.

  1. Deduct and pay UIF contributions

Once you are registered, you must deduct the required UIF contributions from your employees’ salaries every month and pay them over to the UIF. The contributions must be paid by the 7th of each month.

  1. Submit declarations

Every month, you must submit a declaration to the UIF that details the salaries and UIF contributions of each of your employees. This declaration must be submitted by the 7th of each month.

  1. Issue UIF reference numbers

When an employee leaves your employment, you must issue them with a UIF reference number. This number will be required when they apply for UIF benefits, so you must provide it to them.

  1. Assist with UIF claims

If one of your employees applies for UIF benefits, you may be required to assist with their claim. This may involve providing documentation or other information that is required by the UIF.

UIF is an essential resource for employees who have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to illness or leave. As an employer, it is your responsibility to register with UIF, deduct and pay contributions, submit declarations, issue reference numbers, and assist with claims. By doing so, you can help your employees access the financial support they need during difficult times.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.