On 9 May 2024, the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (Rf) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) launched its Rehabilitation, Social Reintegration and Return to Work Programme at an event held in Johannesburg. FEM is a mutual insurer that provides workmen’s compensation cover to the construction and construction-related industries.

The launch showcased FEM’s full package of services aimed at supporting early return to work and social reintegration. These services are in line with the implementation of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Act 130 of 1993 (COIDA). Returning to work following a serious injury or illness is often a daunting task for an employee. The situation is even more dire when the employee is no longer able to perform the role held prior to the injury or illness. As such, FEM is committed to assisting these employees with the transition, through rehabilitating, and where necessary, re-skilling and upskilling them so that they can take up a role that is fulfilling from a career and social perspective.

The event, held at The Wanderer’s Club in Johannesburg, shed light on the rehabilitation journey and challenges faced by those re-entering the workforce. FEM CEO Ndivhuwo Manyonga provided insights related to COIDA, and how FEM is embracing the goals set out in the Act. Acting Compensation Fund (CF) Commissioner, Farzana Fakir, discussed the future rehabilitation and return to work strategy embodied in the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Act 10 of 2022 (Amendment Act). This included solutions that will ensure decent work for COIDA beneficiaries with a permanent disablement caused by a workplace accident or injury. Acting Commissioner Fakir also explained that an employer is obligated to explore the various solutions and exhaust all rehabilitation and reintegration processes before opting to dismiss an employee.

The session included a panel discussion on the progress made in overcoming barriers to returning to work, including intriguing input from experts in the fields of mental health, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and more. Other topics discussed were the impacts of visual impairment, disability access and social assistance when it comes to assisting people to return to work.

Speaking on the launch, FEM CEO Ndivhuwo Manyonga said, “Our vision is to instil hope and show people that with the right support, there is a bright future ahead even in the case of serious workplace accidents or illness. We understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, and our programme is therefore structured to help beneficiaries based on their unique circumstances, skill sets and passions. This includes helping beneficiaries to set up businesses in a variety of fields, such as video production services, cabinet-making businesses, vehicle diagnostic services, and more”.

The positive outcomes recorded as a result of FEM’s existing upskilling and re-skilling programmes include over 26 eligible beneficiaries registering for skills training, with 69% having successfully completed their courses. 

About The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) 

The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) is a mutual insurer that provides Workmen’s Compensation Cover to the construction industry in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 1993 (COIDA). FEM was established as a mutual insurer in 1936 and, on the introduction of the Workmen’s Compensation Act 1941, was granted a license to continue to transact workmen’s compensation insurance for the construction industry. FEM business operations are essentially confined to the insurance of employers against their liabilities under COIDA, and related Regulations. For more information, visit: www.fem.co.za 

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