LABOUR DEPARTMENT DISASTER

I have been on maternity leave since February went back and forth to collect forms to be completed either by the hospital or my employer. Returned to the Department of Labour on the 26th of March to apply for my Maternity Benefits however they were closed due to the pandemic COVID-19. Not knowing that there's an online portal where I can apply I waited for their offices to open which would have been 17th April but as we all know Lockdown then was extended. Went online and app**** for my benefits on 14 April to this day 15 May no response other than Fax your documents to a number. No correspondence and no contact numbers to get hold of them for UIF CLAIMS SUCH AS MATERNITY ETC. Out of desperation I called the COVID-19 hotline and finally spoke to someone by the name of Bongani, he then provided me with contact details of two Labour officers that will be able to assist me. And again another roadblock the person I need to contact his mailbox is full so can't get through. COVID-19 hotline they specifically said that they DO NOT deal with any other claims. So where does that leave people like myself? Stranded with no assistance I'm returning to work on 7 June without having received a cent, having to borrow money everywhere which is unfair as the COVID-19 applicants still received a portion of their salary, myself NOTHING.

My experience with the Department has not been very helpful. No contact numbers to contact them on and email addresses no response received to date.