By Staff Reporter
TZANEEN – More than 150 learners enrolled in a learnership programme across Mopani say they are facing severe financial hardship due to delays in stipend payments.
The beneficiaries, who are placed at various sites in the district, allege that the training provider, Kaylord, operating under the Department of Employment and Labour’s programmes, has failed to provide clear answers regarding the delayed payments.
According to the learners, the programme began in February 2026 and is expected to conclude in July. They claim their contracts stipulate that stipends should be paid into their personal bank accounts on the 15th of every month.
However, learners allege that only two rounds of payments were made in February and March, while others claim they have not received any payment since the programme started.
The delays have reportedly left many struggling to pay rent, transport costs and other essential expenses. Some participants say they have been evicted from their accommodation due to non-payment and have been left stranded.
Speaking to Tzaneen Voice, some beneficiaries expressed frustration over what they describe as poor communication from the training provider.
“Our challenge is that since February some of us have never received any cent. In March they only paid about fifteen out of the group of 150 learners. When we raise concerns about transport and rent, we are given excuses or receive no response at all,” said one learner.
Efforts to obtain comment from a manager identified as Pretty were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The organisation’s CEO, Lwazi Khanyile, declined to comment, stating that he does not speak to the media.
The affected learners are now calling for urgent intervention and clarity regarding when the outstanding stipends will be paid.
This remains a developing story, and the publication will provide the training provider an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
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