DIEPSLOOT – Learners who took part in a three-month UIF-LAP Short Skills Programme facilitated by Vhangona Skills Academy at Diepsloot Skills Centre say they are still waiting for their stipends for August and September 2025.
The group, which includes 82 learners from the Diepsloot branch, began classes on 1 July 2025 as part of the Department of Employment and Labour’s (DEAL) funded initiative aimed at empowering unemployed youth through practical skills training.
Learners told Diepsloot News that they received only R2 000 in August instead of their full monthly stipends and have not received further payments since.
“We were promised monthly stipends, but it’s now October and there’s still no update. Many of us relied on that money for transport and daily expenses,” said one participant.
Responding to the enquiry, Vhangona Skills Academy (VSA) confirmed that learners have not received payments for August and September, explaining that the delays stem from the Department of Employment and Labour, the funder and custodian of the UIF-LAP programme.
“We have not received the funds for those specific months from the Department of Employment and Labour. The last update we received from them was on Sunday, 19 October 2025, stating that an internal follow-up would be made regarding payment,” VSA said in a statement.
The academy emphasised that the issue is not from their side, as they rely entirely on DEAL for learner stipends.
“We are in constant communication with DEAL project coordinators overseeing this programme. Once payment is released, all learners will receive their stipends. The company currently trains 348 learners under this project.”
Vhangona Skills Academy added that they have been providing regular updates to learners and remain committed to transparency while awaiting official communication from the department.