(Ecofin Agency) - The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an entity of the South African employment ministry, announced the disbursement of R14.079 billion (about $765 million) to support workers affected by the lockdown measure ordered by the government to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Teboho Maruping (pictured), the UIF Commissioner, the aid has benefited a total of 2,551,236 workers since April 16. South Africa is one of the most affected countries on the continent with 16,433 confirmed cases, 7,298 recovered patients, and 286 deaths.

On April 21, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced an additional response plan of $26 billion (about 10% of the country’s GDP) to deal with the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.

Borgia Kobri