Learners enrolled under Vhangona Skills Academy in Diepsloot (Gauteng) have confirmed that they finally received their outstanding stipends after weeks of delays. Some groups received two months’ payment, while others were paid for three months, depending on their contract period and UIF deductions.
While the payments have brought relief, many learners say the core issues remain unresolved. Learners told Diepsloot News that communication throughout the programme was “poor and inconsistent,” with some groups being left out of meetings, struggling to obtain clear answers, or being informed late about venue changes and programme logistics.
Several learners also raised concerns about the six-month contracts they signed, saying they were not given proper clarity on how the contract period aligns with their stipend duration, nor whether all months were submitted to the Department of Labour for claiming.
On Friday, Vhangona Project Manager Thobile Muthwa told Diepsloot News that the payment differences were based on the learners’ contract durations and UIF deductions. She added that Vhangona had used its own project funds to pay learners while awaiting outstanding payments from the Department of Labour. However, when asked to explain concerns about communication gaps, excluded groups, venue changes, and lack of proactive updates, Vhangona did not provide further comment by the time of publication.
Learners say they will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the remaining months of the programme are handled transparently.
Diepsloot News will continue to follow the story.