Sassa officials cold and heartless

I was very much disturbed yesterday morning when I noticed a girl carrying a baby outside the door to the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices in Vereeniging. It was around 6am; it was drizzling and very cold.

My friend and I made a U-turn, and when we arrived at the Sassa offices we realised the girl now had the company of another woman.

Upon asking them why they were standing outside in the cold on a rainy morning while the office door was open, they responded by saying they were told to stand outside the building until 6.30am.

I then asked the two security women who were inside the warm building why they were letting the girl and her baby freeze outside in the cold while the doors were open and the place empty.

They said the public was only allowed into the building from 6.30am, regardless of the weather conditions or their own condition. When I started taking photos, the security personnel quickly switched off the lights and ran deeper into the building.

To Sassa management in Vereeniging, please review your reception strategy for your clients. You can’t open the doors at 6am and have people queue outside like that, when they could queue inside until they get attended to.

On other days, even the elderly queue outside, standing, while others bring their own chairs. I have seen this several times as I work not far from the Sassa offices. But yesterday I couldn’t stand and watch, so I decided to intervene. I am hoping for corrective measures to be implemented. Vicky Tlhatlha Sharpeville