With most of us glued to our phones and relying on private couriers, it’s easy to forget the South African Post Office (SAPO) even exists.
But while the old institution may have slipped from public view, behind the scenes, it’s been in a fight for survival—and now, it’s getting a major helping hand from the government.
In a fresh bid to save thousands of jobs and pull the post office back from the brink, South Africa’s Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has announced a R381 million financial rescue package.
UIF Steps In to Support Thousands of Workers
The money will be funneled through the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), managed by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
And it’s not just about cash—it’s about people.
Specifically, 6,000 workers who have been caught in the crossfire of SAPO’s financial meltdown.
An agreement has already been signed between SAPO and UIF to roll out the funds over a six-month period.
For these workers, it’s a critical lifeline while SAPO continues its long-term turnaround plan.
“This is more than just money.
It’s a serious move to protect workers and restore public trust,” Minister Meth said.
“TERS is a strategic lever—not just a cheque—to help rebuild confidence and prevent more job losses.”
A Company in Crisis Mode
To understand why this intervention is so important, you have to look at where SAPO has been.
Founded all the way back in 1792, the organisation has been bleeding money for years.
In fact, it recorded a staggering R2.17 billion loss in 2024.
Things got so bad that in February 2023, SAPO was put under provisional liquidation.
Business rescue practitioners (BRPs) eventually stepped in with a court-approved recovery plan—but it hasn’t been easy.
Some of the hard calls already made include:
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