According to the Unemployment Insurance Fund spokesperson, Makhosonke Buthelezi, these control ‘deficiencies’ include inconsistencies regarding past payments made to people who are deceased, imprisoned, or minors.

The Auditor-General of South Africa alerted the Department of Labour to the irregularities.

Buthelezi confirms the department is investigating the findings but said it usually checks IDs against the Home Affairs database, which has led to payments ceasing in certain cases.

The department has made attempts in the past to put control measures in place, and says it will appoint a team of auditors to follow up on all payments made.

The system has been beset by challenges since the benefit was implemented.

Almost 95% of employers still haven’t received their July benefit; of the 5% who received payment, only 47% were paid in full.

Buthelezi says it's unclear how long payments will be suspended.

Moneyweb