Monday, June 8, 2020

Swaziland Govt launches fund to help workers laid-off by coronavirus lockdown


The Swaziland (eSwatini) Government has announced a E25 million (US$1.5 million) fund to help people laid-off from jobs because of the present coronavirus lockdown in the kingdom.

Swazi Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini announced after reports that tens of thousands of people could lose jobs. The kingdom has been in partial lockdown since 27 March 2020.

Dlamini, in a statement on Friday (5 June 2020) said the Ministry of Labour and Social Security would in due course announce details of the fund.

He added that the government would also put forward legislation to introduce an Unemployment Insurance Fund to protect people after they had lost jobs.

Dlamini announced that a number of businesses including manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers of alcohol would be allowed to reopen from 15 June under strict health and hygiene conditions. 

He warned, ‘Any business which, on inspection, will be found to be in violation of the permitted conditions will be immediately closed.’

He said people were still expected to stay at home and only move when necessary as the lockdown continued.

Dlamini said there could be a phased reopening of schools and tertiary institutions from 1 July.

He said, ‘For the objectives of the 2020 academic year to be achieved, we need to allow the current Form 5 learners to progress to tertiary level. To do so they need to sit for their examinations and complete their end of school cycle. 

‘In preparation for the reopening of schools and tertiary institutions, personnel will be trained on COVID-19 prevention and control, and on ways of adapting to the “new normal” while ensuring that teaching and learning continues.’

See also

Tens of thousands of jobs at risk in Swaziland as coronavirus pandemic continues
 
Coronavirus lockdown costs thousands of jobs in Swaziland, people evicted from homes

Only four in ten receive food aid in Swaziland Govt coronavirus scheme, a month after deadline

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