The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the Minister of Labour to initiate an urgent intervention into the non-payment of stipends to young people from Dikgatlong municipality in the Northern Cape. The young people are participating in a learnership programme that is facilitated and funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
The non-payment sparked protests by over 80 young learners from Longlands, Delportshoop, Barkly West, Gong Gong and nearby areas, bringing the R31 to a standstill for the past two consecutive days. Public order policing efforts reopened the road at midday yesterday but tensions remain high. Learners have also vowed to continue their protest action until their stipends are paid.
The programme, which is focused on agriculture, poultry, and plant production, officially began on 2 April 2025. Learners signed contracts and attended classes for the past three months but have not been paid since the programme began.
The programme is funded by the Department of Labour, through the UIF, and is implemented by the Mineworkers Development Agency (MDA). According to an official notice released by the MDA, dated 16 June 2025, the stipend delays are due to the UIF not releasing the necessary funds.
Mounting frustrations of the learners have been aggravated by a local representative of the Department of Labour allegedly dismissing the programme as a “scam,” causing fear and confusion among participants.
I have written to the Minister of Labour and submitted formal parliamentary questions requesting an urgent investigation into the matter, the immediate payment of outstanding stipends, and clarity on the status and future of the programme.
The Department of Labour must speedily honour its commitments and restore the trust of the participants, whose hope and commitment towards a better future has been dashed. Further protest action must also be urgently averted to avoid repercussions for freight, courier, and private transport affected by the closure of the R31.
