Labour department gets in line on net
Compensation Fund website closes the book on letters of good standing backlog
THE incessant struggle for businesses to obtain their letters of good standing has come to an end with the horse in shiny armour being the world wide web.
Representing the Department of Labour, KZN Workmen’s Compensation Fund Manager Nomfolozi Cweba explained how local service providers can register for the important certificates, necessary to verify their business’ legitimacy, on the department’s website.
Last year, the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) received 184 pleas from businesses asking for assistance in obtaining their letters while facing the risk of losing big contracts with corporates.
But speaking at the Zululand Health and Safety Forum last week, Cweba said the ‘nightmare’ of businesses having to attain the document through its Pretoria offices is now a distant memory.
‘If you haven’t been able to successfully attain your letter of good standing, the Richards Bay Labour Department can assist you regarding all matters so you don’t have to go through Pretoria anymore.
‘To submit claims online, you need a valid South African ID number and an CF (compensation fund) registration number or contract account number.
‘You can also use the online services if you have more than one company – you just add more organisations against your username.
‘However, if the status of your business changed by closing, being liquidated or sequestrated, you should not submit Roe (Return of earnings) online.’
Online benefits
‘There are many benefits to using the online facility,’ said Cweba.
‘It’s paperless; you get your invoice immediately; you avoid delays in processing your assessments and after you’ve paid, you get a good standing for the whole financial year.
‘We’ve tried to move away from paper after numerous issues including forms lost in postage.
‘Now, when you log on, you are the author of what is captured and the system allows you to validate your own good standing.
‘Any claims previously sent out, can now be personally assisted in town,’ said Cweba.
The Richards Bay Labour Department assists businesses based in uMhlathuze area, Stanger, Eshowe, Vryheid, Ulundi and from Mtubatuba to Kwa Ngwanase.
To register or claim online, go to website https://cfonline.labour.gov.za/OnlineSubmissions
