20 August 2024
Social grant beneficiaries in Strand are having to use the Eerste River office after storms damaged the Strand offices. Graphic: Lisa Nelson
Three months after storms damaged municipal buildings in Strand where the SA Social Security Service (SASSA) is located, the office is still closed. Social grant beneficiaries and applicants are having to go to the Eerste River office, where there are lengthy queues.
Some beneficiaries said they were leaving their homes as early as 4am to get to the offices in time to be helped, while others slept outside the office.
Patricia van der Ross, mayoral committee member for community service and health, said storm damage in April-May caused damage to the roof, ceiling and flooring at the municipal offices. Repairs are to start in September.
Meanwhile, she said, the offices could not be used. She said the City is open to discussing an alternative venue with SASSA during the repairs.
The Eerste River local office has two service points that operate four days a week, in Kraaifontein and Strand.
Annelize Bester, acting regional executive manager for SASSA in the Western Cape, said they are waiting to be told by the municipality when they can re-open the Strand office.
Bester said between 250 and 300 applicants and beneficiaries visit the Eerste River branch daily.
She said a SASSA official starts with “queue management” at 6:40 am to make sure beneficiaries are in the right queue and have the correct documents.
Those who don’t have all the required documents get a checklist of what they need to bring back. Once they return with everything in order, their applications can be processed, said Bester. Those who cannot be helped are given appointments for another day.
Bester said there were no plans to open other offices in the area and urged people to use the SASSA online system.