Residents of Tashkent who receive pensions in cash report repeated instances of their payments being forcibly transferred to bank cards. According to the publication 'Gazeta', pensioners in Uzbekistan who prefer to receive funds in cash are once again being compelled to switch to non-cash payments.
On July 10, a group of elderly people from one of the mahallas in the Mirzo-Ulubek district came to the mahalla committee for their pension. There, mahalla employees and 'People's Bank' (Xalq Banki) cashiers informed them that cash payments are only available for a small group of disabled pensioners, numbering about 10–15 people. The rest were advised to visit a bank branch to apply for cards where the benefits would be deposited.
Those who insisted on keeping the cash format were advised to submit an application to the district Pension Fund department. Residents noted that they were not notified in advance of the upcoming changes through announcements or phone calls; mahalla employees learned about the new procedure only on the day of pension disbursement.
As a result of these circumstances, most pensioners, many of whom live from payment to the next, found themselves without money on the designated day. Some of them went to the 'People's Bank' branch in Mirzo-Ulubek but discovered that no cards were ready. They were offered to apply for issuance, which could take up to three days, further delaying the receipt of the pension.
Similar problems were observed in the 'Buz' mahalla. On July 10, pensioners were sent there to the 'People's Bank' branch in Darhane, but there they received neither money nor cards, and were scheduled for a follow-up visit on July 14. A request to deliver the cards to the mahalla was rejected, forcing the elderly, including those with visual and hearing impairments, to make additional trips to the bank during the intense heat.
Similar incidents have been recorded in other parts of Tashkent. A Facebook user reported that in the Shaykhantakhur district, her 74-year-old relative, accustomed to receiving her pension in cash at the mahalla, was notified about the transfer of payments to a card without submitting any applications. This woman has difficulty moving after contracting COVID and had to take a taxi with her grandson to reach the bank branch.
A resident of the 'Kutarma' mahalla in the Chilanzar district also reported that her mother was not issued her July pension because she was not listed on the roster for cash collection. The cashier stated that the funds had been transferred to a card that needed to be collected at the bank.
In response to 'Gazeta's' inquiries about the situation, the extra-budgetary Pension Fund under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan categorically denied any involvement. Abror Kholmatov, Head of the Payments Systems Development and Income Accounting Department of the Pension Fund, stated that no new regulations changing the payment procedure had been introduced recently.
He referred to point 10 of President's decree No. UP-6155 dated February 4, 2021, which stipulates that applications for non-cash form are submitted independently by citizens when opening bank cards or through mobile applications, without the involvement of the Pension Fund.
Abror Kholmatov emphasized that the Fund does not have the authority to dictate the method of receiving the pension; it only learns about the transition to non-cash payments after the bank opens an account and the information enters the general electronic system. In the opinion of the Pension Fund, the responsibility for such changes lies with the 'People's Bank', although citizens more often contact the fund regarding payments.
According to Kholmatov, over the past month, the Fund has recorded a sharp increase in complaints about the forced transfer of pensioners to cards not only in Tashkent but across all of Uzbekistan. The agency plans to collect all appeals and send official letters to the 'People's Bank' and the Central Bank.
Ibrohim Erdanov, Chief Specialist of the Social Benefits Department of the 'People's Bank', refuted the fact of mandatory transfer of pensioners from cash to cards, stating that cards are opened exclusively with the consent of the pensioners themselves. He clarified that bank employees inform the elderly about the advantages of non-cash payments and issue cards only for those who have given consent.
Erdanov admitted that in July, delays occurred in some districts with the issuance of 'instant cards' due to the increase in the number of citizens switching to non-cash payments. Because of this, some recipients were offered standard Humo or Uzcard cards, the production of which takes up to three days. The bank attributes customer dissatisfaction specifically to the need to wait for the card issuance.
The bank representative also assured that pensioners have the right to refuse the card and return to receiving cash by submitting an application to the district Pension Fund department, and bank employees are ready to assist in this process. 'There is currently no decision to transfer all pensioners to cards. If a pensioner wants to remain on cash, they can receive it in cash,' Erdanov noted.
According to the 'People's Bank', 31,807 pensioners (11%) in Tashkent receive payments in cash, amounting to 82.5 billion soms monthly. Another 306,347 people (89%) receive pensions via cards, totaling 647 billion soms per month. At the time of the conversation, according to Erdanov, 100% of July pensions were transferred to cards, and 83% were paid in cash. The bank notes that cash payments are made according to a schedule from the 4th to the 26th–27th of the month.
It is important to note that the explanations from the 'People's Bank' contradict the testimonies of pensioners, who claim that their consent to switch to cards was not requested in advance, and they only learned about the change in payment method when visiting the mahalla committee for cash.
In 2020, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan decided on a complete transition to bank cards for pension and salary payments. At that time, it was reported that the Pension Fund itself would transfer the necessary data to the bank, and bank employees would deliver the cards to the place of residence. After delivery, pensioners only needed to fill out and sign an application.
It is likely that the electronic accounts for active pensioners were created during that period, which today may be considered implied consent to receive payments via card. However, later that same year, this decision was adjusted due to issues with delivery and queues, allowing those who desired cash to receive money in kind again. Nevertheless, the accounts probably remained active, which prompts current pensioners to submit applications to the Pension Fund.
For a large number of young South Africans, the job search process involves financial costs, as expenses for transport, internet, and document processing create additional obstacles on the path to employment.
The job search has become an independent activity for millions of unemployed young people, requiring time, effort, sacrifice, and emotional resilience, without guaranteeing a salary. Against the backdrop of one of the world's highest youth unemployment rates, new research and expert opinions reveal a harsh reality: many young people spend money they do not have in pursuit of opportunities that may never materialize.
According to Statistics South Africa, in the first quarter of 2026, approximately 4.7 million people aged 15 to 34 were unemployed. Furthermore, nearly 70% of young South Africans remain unemployed when using an expanded definition of unemployment.
A study conducted by the youth advocacy organization Youth Capital showed that young South Africans spend an average of 1469 rand per month searching for employment. These expenses include 700 rand for transport, 441 rand for internet, and 328 rand for application-related costs. The organization noted that the cost of job searching has significantly increased compared to the previous average of 938 rand recorded in earlier studies.
These expenses often force people to sacrifice basic needs. Youth Capital found that 85% of respondents reported having to choose between buying food and looking for work, and seven out of ten relied on relatives to finance the search process.
The study's findings echo concerns raised by Build One South Africa (BOSA) during an inspection of the Regional E Youth Advisory Centre in Johannesburg. BOSA found that the youth support centre was effectively unable to function because the key position responsible for program implementation had remained vacant for over a year. A BOSA representative, Graham Charteris, stated that government programs intended to help youth are often evaluated based on activity levels rather than actual impact.
He emphasized that municipalities should report how many young people find jobs, complete skills training, enroll in higher education, or remain employed after receiving support, not just the number served monthly.
Budget analyst Mathdiso Lenkoasa believes that South Africa's economic structure continues to let down its youth. She stated that unemployment statistics point to an economy that has failed to create jobs for the majority of the population, especially the youth. Lenkoasa also expressed concern over the growing normalization of youth unemployment, noting that structural problems are not being solved despite mentions in speeches and conferences.
She criticized South African policy, arguing that it is insufficiently focused on creating jobs at the scale necessary to absorb millions of unemployed young people, pointing to a gap between policy discussion and the real experience of young residents.
The problem is exacerbated by spatial inequality in South Africa. The Youth Capital study showed that many young people live far from economic centers and spend significant amounts on travel for interviews and workplaces because available housing does not align with job concentration areas. The report notes that for some low-income workers, transport costs can consume up to 80% of their earnings, making self-employment financially unsustainable.
Economists warn that weak economic development continues to undermine job creation, condemning applicants to a cycle of financial hardship and unemployment. Furthermore, prolonged unemployment, Youth Capital established, contributes to the development of stress, anxiety, and depression among youth, while constant rejections and lack of feedback from employers cause feelings of disappointment and exclusion from the economy.
The study also revealed a paradoxical situation: employers demand experience, while eight out of ten unemployed young people have never had a job. Lenkoasa insists that the solution lies not only in expanding youth programs but also in fundamentally transforming the economy to create more jobs. She concluded that economic policy must stimulate job creation and invest in industries that genuinely generate employment in the country.
Thus, against the backdrop of record youth unemployment in South Africa, it becomes clear that the younger generation bears the burden not only of unemployment but also of having to pay for the job search process itself—including transport, data, and dignity—while waiting for an opportunity that may never come.
Tense labor relations have emerged in the province of KwaZulu-Natal due to allegations of worker exploitation and improper labor practices. These accusations have triggered confrontations between Labour Action Committees and Communities (LACO) and local businesses.
Confrontations by LACO with businesses began at the start of this year, primarily in Pietermaritzburg and other areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The organization raised concerns regarding unfair working conditions, unsafe workplaces, unpaid overtime, and the hiring of illegal foreign nationals.
LACO conducted visits and protest actions at establishments such as Daymed Private Hospital, SuperSave, Save Hyper, a furniture factory in Edenvale, YCH, Checksave, Phoenix Cash and Carry, Shoprite, and Kara Nichha's.
LACO's campaign drew criticism from business organizations. They asserted that LACO's methods bordered on intimidation and insisted that labor disputes must be resolved through established legal channels.
By June, LACO claimed its campaign had helped approximately 4,500 South Africans find jobs, though this figure has not been independently verified.
Melanie Vaneess, CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Commerce, issued a stern warning to employers, defending lawful labor processes and strongly criticizing the activities of the LACO group.
She emphasized the chamber's stance on fair employment practices, stating that they always support the priority of South Africans in employment. Vaneess added that she would never endorse or cover up any unethical actions or unfair labor practices by any business, and membership would be revoked if such behavior was discovered.
Vaneess detailed the formal legal framework available to workers whose rights have been violated. She noted that South Africa possesses structured dispute resolution systems. Workers must first follow internal complaint procedures. If internal processes are exhausted, they can approach the CCMA or the Union Council (if unionized).
Subsequently, if no resolution is found, a Certificate of No Resolution is issued, after which there remains the option of arbitration, striking (interest disputes), or filing a case in the Labour Court (rights disputes).
Central to her remarks was the role of LACO, which she characterized extremely negatively, questioning its legitimacy and methods. Vaneess labeled them 'thugs,' members of a self-appointed citizen group who carry out law enforcement in their community without legal authority.
She suggested that while the organization positions itself as a defender of workers' rights, broader concerns exist regarding its motives, noting that they are, in her view, politically motivated and promoting a populist agenda ahead of elections.
Vaneess also mentioned reports that LACO representatives attempt to extort large sums of money from businesses under the threat of negative public information and prolonged business closure. While acknowledging that violations may occur in some places, she cautioned against generalizations and unauthorized interference.
She stated that most targeted businesses are excellent employers, and many of LACO's claims against business members are unfounded. Vaneess insisted that labor disputes must be settled exclusively through legally recognized institutions, as external groups do not possess statutory authority to intervene.
Referencing South African labor legislation, Vaneess pointed to Chapter VII of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, which stipulates that dispute resolution and collective bargaining are limited to officially recognized parties, such as employees, employers, trade unions, and employer organizations. In light of this, she advised employers to completely avoid engaging with LACO.
Furthermore, she warned that disclosing confidential company information to unauthorized parties could expose the business to legal risks under data protection laws. Compliant companies could violate the POPIA act by providing confidential information to individuals who do not have the legal right to receive it.
Vaneess strongly urged escalating any threats or intimidation against businesses to law enforcement agencies. She stressed that threats to close a business are illegal and must be reported to the SAPS to initiate a case.
At the same time, she encouraged the use of legal channels to report alleged violations. Citizens should report companies to the relevant authorities—the Department of Labour and the Department of the Interior—so they can investigate and resolve issues fairly and legally.
According to Vaneess, such interventions have already affected many areas of the region, including Greytown, where some local shops were forced to close for two to three days, causing damage to businesses and the economy. She concluded with a warning about broader economic consequences if investor confidence is undermined, noting that such politically affiliated organizations, instead of creating jobs, harm the province's reputation, reduce business confidence, and make the region unattractive to investors, thereby hindering necessary growth and leading to job losses in the medium and long term.
For a long time, goods delivery in the United Arab Emirates was considered predominantly a male profession. However, the first group of women to join Talabat's delivery service in the UAE made this decision not only to challenge stereotypes but also to ensure financial independence and support their families, proving that a profession should not be defined by gender.
Recently, Talabat in the UAE welcomed its first batch of twenty female couriers, marking an important step in the company's efforts to expand opportunities for women in logistics and delivery.
Hasina Bibi Mehroban Shah, a single mother of four daughters, decided to become a courier to provide a better future for her children. She emphasized that 'every honest job has dignity.' Despite initial concerns from some family members about her safety, their worry turned to pride after witnessing her dedication.
Shah recalled times when she and her daughters had to struggle to meet basic needs, but stated that 'today we have hope, and this hope changes everything.' She added that the safety and stability in the UAE gave her confidence as a single mother, and the respect and support from customers motivate her to continue working.
Oliver Nankwanga believes that being a courier is more than just a job. Having worked in the field for over eight years, starting her journey in Uganda, she noted that this role has given her both independence and purpose, allowing her to raise five children.
According to her, being a courier allows her to pay for her children's school fees, provide food for her family, and build a stable future. She says, 'This responsibility drives me every day.' Nankwanga hopes that customers will see her as 'a hardworking, determined woman who is proud of what she does,' rather than focusing on the fact that she works in a traditionally male profession.
Suhaira Nantongo also faced doubts from friends and family when she decided to become a courier. Many thought the job would be too difficult for a woman. However, she saw it differently, describing it as 'an honest, respectable way to earn a living.'
She noted that one of the most pleasant aspects of the job is the reaction of customers, many of whom stop to express their admiration and curiosity. She believes that knowing she can change people's perceptions of women's opportunities inspires her daily.
Nantongo is convinced that attitudes are changing, asserting: 'there is no longer such a thing as a 'male job,' especially in this generation,' because 'the only thing that truly matters is determination.'
Although each woman's path is unique, they share a common belief that honest work deserves respect regardless of gender. They hope that their presence on the roads will encourage more women to enter industries where they have traditionally been underrepresented, demonstrating that human achievement is determined not by gender, but by persistence and perseverance.
