SASSA services have resumed in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
In a statement, they say: “We acknowledge that there was a temporary service interruption emanating from the fact that SASSA had to seek alternate premises in Khayelitsha. SASSA does not own any sites in Khayelitsha. Accommodation space is shared with the Provincial Department of Social Development.”
“During the second phase of the quarter of 2021, SASSA was informed of maintenance to the shared site, however timelines were never confirmed. SASSA then began the process of seeking alternate sites in Khayelitsha by engaging the City of Cape Town. Many sites that were identified were deemed non-compliant in respect of Occupational Health & Safety. The City of Cape Town then assisted SASSA to secure a site at the Khulani Resource Centre,” they continue.
SASSA says that during the service interruption in Khayelitsha, a contingency plan was implemented to ensure business continuity. Staff from the Khayelitsha Office were redeployed to other sites in the Metro. A priority queue specifically for all clients from Khayelitsha was also established at these sites.
SASSA services at the Khulani Resource Centre were fully operational from 03 August 2022. SASSA is in the process of securing additional sites in Khayelitsha, to extend services to the community. Details for these additional sites will be made available in due course.
SASSA apologised to clients for any inconvenience.
This week the Provincial Social Development Department raised its concerns about the SASSA service in Khayelitsha.
They said they wish to note the following concerns amongst others:
• The well-being of vulnerable clients who are waiting for hours, while queuing for SASSA services.
• Due to congested offices, the inability to render psycho-social support and other social development services to vulnerable citizens.
• Security and safety of DSD staff due to a lack of service delivery when SASSA officials don’t honour commitments to community engagements.
• The labour issues between SASSA employees and management affecting DSD services.
