SATSA has advised that the appeals system for the tourism industry for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) programme will open on April 6.

The inbound industry association, in conjunction with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa has been working on addressing the multiple rejections for TERS funds on behalf of its members and the industry in general.

SATSA COO, Hannelie du Toit, explainedthat members’ applications had been rejected due to issues with South African Revenue Service Sector Categories/SIC (Standard Industry Classification) codes.

“The situation with the SIC Codes, as well as a number of proposals to remedy the situation, was discussed at the latest Nedlac UIF Task Team meeting,” said Du Toit.
She said the challenge was that the UIF must be able to verify that the business actually operated in the tourism industry.

A press statement from the UIF states that once the appeals process opens (April 6) The appeal pro forma will be assessed within five working days and the client will be informed of a refused or approved decision.

The UIF statement adds that businesses can return to the portal within 72 hours to re-lodge their claim.

The process will be as follows:

· Log on to the portal.

· Select the business activity (as previously done).

· On the main division sector, select OTHER (APPOVED APPEALS) and the system will accept further appeals.

The full, updated document from UIF can be accessed by clicking HERE.