Closed SASSA Atlantis office causes uproar

Residents in Atlantis who are serviced by a Sassa office in the community have been left in limbo after the facility closed down due to occupational health and safety issues last week. 

The office assisted residents with child grants, old age grants and disability grants applications. 

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Residents claimed they were not notified but only found out about the closure through a note on the door that the office will not be rendering services until further notice. 

SASSA TO COMMUNICATE DETAILS OF A NEW SITE SOON

Sassa Western Cape spokesperson Shivani Wahab said the office was currently closed due to occupational health and safety issues at the site.

“The Sassa Atlantis Office is currently closed due to occupational health and safety issues at the site.

Sassa is in the process of identifying an alternate site from which to render services in Atlantis. Details of the new site will be communicated in due course,” she said.

City of Cape Town Proportional representation (PR) councillor in Atlantis Anastatia Davids said she was inundated with complaints. 

“I have so many complaints from residents. They have been turning people away since last week. 

Residents have to borrow money to go to different areas outside of Atlantis for Sassa services just for them to be turned away and told to come back again to see if they open,” she said. 

RESIDENTS HEAVILY IMPACTED BY THE CLOSURE

People’s Movement for Change (PMC) founder member Sammy Claassen said the closure of the office has had a negative impact on the community. 

“For the last 10 days no services were provided because the current offices allegedly became non-compliant in terms of health and safety regulations.  

The lack of information and consultation notices to the community is unacceptable,” he said. 

Claassen said they will visit the area to demand the immediate opening of all Sassa services in Atlantis and to meet with the affected community.