Note to Editors: Please find a soundbite by Haseena Ismail MP here, and photos here, here and here
Following an oversight visit to the SASSA offices in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng, is appalled at the state in which both dedicated employees, and those in need must work and be assisted in.
We will be addressing questions about the state of the Vosloorus SASSA office to the executive in Parliament as a matter of urgency, alongside these questions we will be asking that this office, and its management, be summoned to parliament to account.
We found various issues at the offices, those range from infrastructure issues to something as blatant corruption. These issues are listed below:
- Infrastructure: The office is severely short of space, with inadequate parking and a cramped interior. The building’s condition is also a concern, with roof leaks and a lack of proper ablution facilities;
- Resources: The office is understaffed and lacks essential equipment, including online kiosks, scanners, and printers. This has resulted in delays and inefficiencies in the application process;
- Systems: The office is struggling with multiple systems, which are causing delays and challenges in the application process. Integrating these systems into one would significantly improve efficiency;
- Corruption: Unfortunately, corruption is a concern outside the office, with queue marshals allegedly demanding bribes from applicants;
- Service Delivery: The office is struggling to deliver services efficiently, with long queues and wait times. The lack of proper infrastructure and resources is exacerbating this issue; and
- Water Crisis: The water from the taps is not drinkable due to old and rusted pipes and taps. This is a serious concern, as it affects not only the staff but also the applicants visiting the office.
While it is understood that some of these issues will take time to address, issues like the delivery of potable water and marshals offering services in exchange for bribes can very easily be addressed.
Our first question to the executive is: Are you not ashamed that the most vulnerable amongst us cannot even be assisted with dignity?
The DA will not rest until urgent action is taken to address the issues facing the Vosloorus community.