Morrice Kok, chairman of Woodlands Residents’ Association
We would like to inform the community of Woodlands and the greater Mitchell’s Plain that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) service points have been suspended until further notice, due to shootings in and around Mitchell’s Plain.
After considering the safety of Sassa employees and their stakeholders, and consulting Sassa management, it was decided to suspend the required services until further notice.
Future communication will be made with the relevant stakeholders to keep the community informed with the proceedings on when it will be safe for Sassa to return to these different community service points.
All Sassa service points within Mitchell’s Plain have been suspended since Monday December 2.
Woodlands Residents’ Association respects and honours this decision as the safety and lives of their employees and their stakeholders come first.
They have always offered their services to the community, which we as a community highly appreciate.
Shivani Wahab, Sassa marketing and communications director responds:
Sassa can confirm that its Mitchell’s Plain service points were closed on Monday December 2 until further notice, due to ongoing gang-related violence that has posed a safety threat the area.
Sassa made the decision in consideration of the safety of our clients and staff who access these points for services.
We can further confirm that we engaged all stakeholders in the Mitchell’s Plain area prior to the suspension of these services.
It is, however, regrettable that services had to be suspended.
The safety of our clients and staff remain a priority and this decision was made in the best interests of all.
The situation will be assessed in the new year and all stakeholders and the public will be informed of progress accordingly.
Clients are advised to access any other Sassa contact point most convenient to them for services.
The new Sassa card allows clients the flexibility of accessing their social grant at a point most convenient to them post offices, merchants and ATMs.
With the festive season, there is always a surge in crime and Sassawould like to advise clients to safeguard their Sassa cards and pins.