SASSA says its Bellville office has reinstated an appointment system to reduce overnight queues and improve service delivery for beneficiaries seeking disability grants and assessments.
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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Western Cape has introduced several measures to address the increased demand for services at its Bellville office.
The agency stated that, in recent weeks, the office has seen an increase in the number of beneficiaries seeking assistance, particularly those requesting disability grant bookings and assessments.
To manage the situation, SASSA has implemented a series of interventions aimed at improving access to services and reducing the pressure on the office.
The agency said it has reinstated an appointment-based system at the Bellville office to ensure a more orderly service delivery.
"Clients who cannot be assisted on the day are issued with confirmed appointments to return on a specific date, thereby reducing the need for beneficiaries to queue overnight," SASSA said.
In addition, SASSA officials have been deployed to various health facilities to help beneficiaries complete their disability grant applications immediately after their medical assessments.
This move aims to reduce the number of people visiting the Bellville office and allow them to complete parts of the process closer to home.
"This intervention allows clients to complete part of the application process closer to their communities and reduces pressure on the Bellville office," the agency said.
To further ease the burden, SASSA is expanding its network of service points. A temporary site in Delft is awaiting approval, which, once operational, will provide easier access for beneficiaries in the area.
"Once operational, this site will provide services to beneficiaries in Delft and nearby areas," SASSA added.
The agency said it has also arranged additional outreach service days to accommodate clients who couldn’t be helped during peak times.
These outreach initiatives, conducted in partnership with local stakeholders, are aimed at easing the pressure on the main office.
SASSA reiterated its stance as a non-partisan public institution, emphasising its commitment to serving beneficiaries without political interference.
"While the agency respects the constitutional rights of individuals and organisations to express their views, SASSA strongly discourages the politicisation of social assistance services or the use of vulnerable beneficiaries to advance political agendas," the agency said.
SASSA urged beneficiaries to rely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding services and operational arrangements.
Despite the high demand, SASSA assured that the Bellville office continues to assist hundreds of clients daily.
"SASSA Western Cape will continue to monitor service pressures across the Metro District and implement further operational improvements where necessary to ensure that beneficiaries receive a timely and dignified service," it said.
SASSA has urged all stakeholders to allow the interventions to take effect, stressing that these measures are specifically designed to address the challenges faced by beneficiaries at the Bellville office.
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