Latest news with #PES
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
R4bn Question: Can UIF sustain its core mission amid job creation push?
The UIF Labour Activation Programme's mandate is to mobilise resources, partnerships, and implementation capacity to drive sustainable job creation, retain existing jobs, and support unemployed and vulnerable groups. Image: Supplied SOUTH Africa stands at yet another crossroads where political expediency challenges institutional integrity, as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) assumes an unprecedented role in funding a job creation programme traditionally financed by the National Treasury. The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) initiative under the Presidency, has turned to the UIF for R4 billion to fund the Teacher Assistant Programme — a short-term intervention aimed primarily at unemployed youth. According to the DBE's April 2025 CareersPortal document, the Teacher Assistant Programme, now in its fifth phase, aims to create about 200 000 positions for young unemployed people aged between 18 and 34. Participants receive monthly stipends of R4 000, plus R30 airtime, for six months of practical work experience in schools across South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the programme's scale and significance during a June 2 statement. 'Today marks the 'first day at school' for about 200 000 young people at over 20 000 schools nationwide. They are participants in the fifth phase of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), the largest youth employment programme in South Africa's history.' Ramaphosa further emphasised that the initiative is funded by the UIF Labour Activation Programme alongside national government contributions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Lala Maje, director for initial teacher education, stated: 'This initiative comes as South Africa continues to battle high levels of youth unemployment and an education system that is stretched and overburdened during these difficult economic conditions. Phase five of the BEEI, a component of PES, offers a timely intervention.' However, this funding model starkly contrasts with the UIF's core statutory mandate. The UIF is 'a statutory social security mechanism' funded by contributor deductions and owes its duty solely to those who have been previously employed and have made contributions. The UIF Labour Activation Programme's mandate is to mobilise resources, partnerships, and implementation capacity to drive sustainable job creation, retain existing jobs, and support unemployed and vulnerable groups. It is designed to complement and accelerate PES's broader economic recovery and inclusive growth objectives. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which has been appointed as the paymaster for the programme, confirmed receiving an advance disbursement of R2 billion — half of the total requested R4 billion — from the UIF. Questions sent to the UIF, DBE, and the Office of the Presidency were unanswered at the time this report was compiled. The UIF recently came under fire in Parliament for delaying payments to workers who became unemployed or were unable to work. The Fund is reportedly plagued by persistent service delivery challenges, payment delays, and limited accessibility for vulnerable workers, which exacerbates the hardships experienced by those it is meant to protect. The Fund briefed the Parliamentary Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade on its budget and strategic plan, as well as its annual performance plan. MPs stated that the UIF was failing workers who became unemployed or were unable to work due to various reasons. The Labour Party of South Africa has condemned the 'diversion' of UIF funds to the PES, describing it as 'economic injustice' that violates the fund's mandate. 'The UIF was never designed to be a general job creation fund,' the party said, emphasising that PES beneficiaries did not contribute to the scheme. The party highlighted the R2 billion advance payment made to PES programmes, lamenting that retrenched workers would wait months while billions flowed unchecked to 'political programmes'. The party warned that paying non-contributors higher stipends than UIF beneficiaries risked collapsing the fund. The UIF and PES operate under distinctly different mandates, frameworks, and funding models that reflect fundamentally divergent labour market roles. This situation raises critical questions about whether the PES is effectively encroaching on the UIF's mandate by sourcing funding — including advance payments — in ways inconsistent with UIF's legal and operational principles. The UIF, established by the Unemployment Insurance Act, is legally empowered to register all employers and employees in South Africa for unemployment insurance benefits. It primarily provides short-term unemployment relief to eligible contributors who have formally paid into the fund. The UIF functions under strict governance and financial protocols — its payments were intended as a stopgap during times of crisis, such as the Covid-19 lockdowns, to provide relief for a limited period until economic recovery could resume. Payments are disbursed monthly based on verified claims, and advance payments are strictly prohibited to protect the fund's sustainability and accountability. In contrast, the PES is funded directly from the National Treasury and designed as a temporary economic relief initiative targeting short-term employment, especially among youth, and to stimulate the economy through multiple exit strategies. The reported R2bn PES advance payment already made marks a significant departure from UIF norms, exposing the fund to financial risks and contradicting social insurance principles. Meanwhile, the UIF attributed delays in Labour Activation Programme stipends to 'administrative discrepancies and attempted fraud' by partner companies. It promised improvements via stricter invoice verification and a new electronic payment system to resolve backlogs. Jacky Molisane, acting director-general of Employment and Labour, warned beneficiaries against protests, stating: 'The Department reserves the right to take legal action against those undermining processes.' She confirmed that there was sufficient budget allocation for current stipend payments. Tshepo Ramodibe, IDC Head of Corporate Affairs, assured that the funds would be managed in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), with oversight from internal audit and subject to external audit. Ramodibe clarified that the IDC's role is strictly as a pay agent for BEEI, distinct from an implementation agent with autonomy. He firmly denied any claims that political or executive pressure influenced IDC's acceptance of this role. South Africa's youth face a persistent unemployment crisis that limits their economic independence and future prospects. Initiatives like PES and the UIF Labour Activation Programme have the potential to be transformative if implemented effectively. The UIF focuses on accredited training and sustainable job creation, offering structured pathways into formal employment, while PES provides essential short-term relief and work experience. Nonetheless, fundamental questions remain: Is the PES pushing the UIF out of its core mandate? Is the use of UIF funding in this manner undermining the fund's sustainability, legal integrity, and governance standards? Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sitharaman backs Meghalaya's efforts to get UNESCO recognition for living root bridges
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed strong support for Meghalaya's efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the iconic living root bridges in East Khasi Hills district of the state. Sitharaman on Saturday praised the recent grassroots momentum to revive the nomination and strengthen the proposal through community engagement and international partnerships. She emphasised that global recognition would not only honour traditional knowledge but also inspire others to adopt sustainable practices rooted in local wisdom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo "Recognition is not for showing off, but for showing the world that you did it first," she said, during her visit to the living root bridge in Siej village on Saturday. "Your practices are not only effective they are replicable," she said. Live Events These natural, bioengineered structures handcrafted over generations by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities represent a rare harmony between nature and human innovation. The bridges are mostly found in the southern slopes of Meghalaya towards Bangladesh border. Meghalaya first submitted a proposal to UNESCO in 2018, nominating the living root bridges for inclusion in the World Heritage list under the category of "cultural landscapes". The proposal, backed by the state government and conservation experts, highlighted the ecological, cultural, and architectural significance of these living structures. However, the nomination faced delays due to procedural requirements, lack of comprehensive documentation, and the need for greater community-led participation in the heritage mapping process. The Union Finance minister on Saturday also interacted with village elders, local leaders, and beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programme, an initiative supported by the World Bank , KFW, and ADB, to understand how traditional ecological knowledge continues to be preserved and innovated by indigenous communities. She also visited Sohbar, a border village in East Khasi Hills district, the first Union minister to do so and highlighted the importance of such villages. "Border villages like Sohbar are not the end of India, but it is the beginning," she said. Sohbar is one of the 92 villages in Meghalaya selected under the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). The Union Finance minister outlined focus areas for development in Sohbar - road infrastructure, telecom and digital connectivity, television coverage, and electricity access. She assured the residents that within a 5-kilometre radius, they would have access to banking facility, ATM, or financial institution for inclusive growth and rural entrepreneurship. The Finance Minister will conclude her four-day visit to Meghalaya with a stop at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra on Sunday. The Ramakrishna Mission has played a pivotal role in education, healthcare, and rural upliftment in Sohra and adjoining regions for decades. Through its schools, vocational training, and community outreach programmes, the RKM has empowered generations of youth in the Khasi Hills, with a strong focus on value-based education, self-reliance, and social service.
Time Business News
02-07-2025
- Time Business News
Convert Any Logo to PES File Format for Brother & Babylock Machines
So, you've got a logo and a Brother or Babylock embroidery machine—and now you're wondering how to get from your design to a stitch-ready PES file. Good news: you're in the right place. Whether you're customizing polos for your business, creating personalized gifts, or launching your own embroidery shop, convert logo to PES file format is a crucial step to make it machine-compatible. Need it done quickly and professionally? Digitizing Buddy specializes in turning any logo into a clean, high-quality PES file that runs perfectly on Brother and Babylock machines. They offer fast turnaround, free revisions, and excellent customer service. Let's walk you through the process step-by-step! A PES file is a specific embroidery format used by Brother and Babylock machines. It tells the embroidery machine where to place each stitch, how to change thread colors, and which stitch types to use. Here's what's inside a PES file: Stitch path and order Thread color changes Stitch types (e.g., satin, fill, run) Object size, shape, and angle Machine commands (trims, stops, jumps) It's basically the 'code' your embroidery machine reads to bring your logo to life in thread. Logos are usually designed in formats like: These are image or vector files. They're visual, but they don't contain any instructions your embroidery machine can understand. That's why you need to digitize your logo into a PES format. Digitizing is the process of converting a logo (or any artwork) into an embroidery file. It's not a one-click conversion it's a detailed process that involves: Importing the logo into digitizing software Tracing shapes and assigning stitch types Setting stitch density, angle, and underlay Adjusting for fabric type and machine settings Exporting in the required format (PES for Brother/Babylock) Think of it like re-illustrating your logo except instead of pixels or vectors, you're using stitches. You've got two main options: The easiest and most reliable option? Let the pros handle it. Digitizing Buddy can take your PNG, JPG, PDF, or vector logo and return a perfect PES file ready to stitch on your Brother or Babylock machine. Why this works best: Manual digitizing = clean, efficient stitch paths No learning curve Affordable (starting around $10–$15) Delivered within 12–24 hours All formats available (PES, DST, JEF, etc.) Ideal for beginners, businesses, or anyone who values quality and time. Want to give digitizing a shot yourself? You'll need embroidery software that supports PES export. Here are a few popular options: Software Skill Level PES Support Notes SewArt Beginner ✅ Basic and affordable Hatch Embroidery Intermediate ✅ Feature-rich, user-friendly Ink/Stitch Beginner ✅ (via Ink/Stitch plugin) Free, open-source Embrilliance Beginner–Intermediate ✅ Great for Mac users Wilcom Advanced ✅ Industry standard Keep in mind: There's a learning curve, and while most offer auto-digitizing, manually assigning stitches yields better results. Whether you use software or a service, the basic digitizing process looks like this: Use a high-resolution logo file—preferably vector (SVG, AI) or high-DPI PNG. You (or the software) will trace shapes in the logo and assign: Satin stitches (for borders or text) Fill stitches (for large solid areas) Run stitches (for outlines or small detail) Fine-tune: Stitch angle and direction Density (tightness of stitches) Underlay (foundation stitches) Pull compensation (to avoid distortion on fabric) Most digitizing software offers a preview that shows how the stitches will appear when sewn. Once you're satisfied, export the file as .PES and transfer it to your Brother/Babylock machine via USB or memory card. 2–4 solid colors Bold, clean shapes No tiny text or gradients No photographic detail Detailed shading or photo elements Thin fonts or outlines Complex color gradients Very small text or tiny elements If your logo is complex, don't worry—professional digitizers like Digitizing Buddy can simplify and optimize it for stitching without sacrificing your brand identity. Tips for Best Stitch Results on Brother/Babylock Machines Light fabric → cut-away or no-show mesh Hats or thick fabric → heavy-duty tear-away 75/11 embroidery needle for most 40wt threads 90/14 for thicker threads or tough fabric Always do a test stitch on scrap fabric before stitching on the final product. Don't scale up/down too much after digitizing—it can affect stitch density and spacing. When your logo is digitized, ask for the editable source file (like .EMB or .BE). This allows: Easy resizing Color changes Editing parts of the design later PES files are great for stitching, but not editable—so keep a copy of the master file too. Uploading low-res or blurry images Skipping pull compensation (causes design distortion) Ignoring fabric type when setting stitch density Using auto-digitizing without manual cleanup Forgetting underlay stitches (leads to poor structure) Turning your logo into a PES embroidery file is the key to unlocking amazing personalization with your Brother or Babylock machine. Whether you're creating company uniforms, custom merch, or branded gifts, it all starts with a properly digitized file. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
People's Education Society buys two Bengaluru properties for Rs 110 cr
Synopsis People's Education Society (PES) has invested Rs 110 crore in Bengaluru's Sadashivanagar, acquiring two independent homes, signaling strong demand for high-value properties. These transactions, along with other recent high-end real estate deals, highlight the enduring appeal of prime locations to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. The increasing number of millionaires in India further fuels this demand for exclusive properties.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WTF: this channel swaps the highlights for PES footage 😭
How did no one notice? Has it ever happened to you that you wanted to watch a match summary on YouTube, only to stumble upon a video from some clever guy who's streaming FC 25 or PES gameplay instead? Well, you're not the only one it happens to. Advertisement Let's head to Serbia, where the national team hosted Andorra as part of the Nations League. After the Serbs' victory (3-0), the TV channel Happy wanted to show their viewers a summary of the White Eagles' win. But instead, what they got... were images from PES. A totally surreal scene that sparked laughter among many internet users. The only question now is whether it was a deliberate choice, or if the person in charge of the segment was fooled by the game footage. We can't wait to see FC 25 on the 8pm news. Also read: - De Bruyne has made his choice, his new club is known! (Official) - Ballon d'Or - The date for the nominees announcement is set! Advertisement - A top Italian coach arrives to train Ronaldo with a XXL paycheck This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. 📸 ADNAN BECI - AFP or licensors
