The DA in Mitchells Plain is pleased that SASSA conceded to its appeal to open new offices and to address serious shortcomings at SASSA offices in Mitchells Plain. However, not all problems have been resolved and SASSA’s response to further appeals remains a concern.
Home Affairs has not provided a clear and detailed project plan for the proposed new offices and we are extremely concerned that only two mobile units are functional, which are supposed to serve millions of people who are physically unable to visit home affairs or cannot afford to travel to their offices.
It is also unacceptable that there are only five IT District officers serving the whole of the Western Cape. One can only imagine the pressure these individuals are under. We urgently call on the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to revisit the deficient staffing model and to ensure that at least one IT person is employed at each office.
Winter is also approaching and clients will continue to have to stand in the rain. The Minister needs to address this matter with the urgency it deserves. The DA in Mitchells Plain will continue to monitor the progress closely and hold government accountable for their promises.
In addition, we kindly request that our community be vigilant and alert law enforcement to any suspicions of vandalism to ensure our government assets, which are there to deliver critical services, are protected.