The DA in KwaZulu-Natal notes with concern a video depicting an official at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Dundee Local Office refusing to assist a grant recipient and generally behaving badly towards clients.
While we acknowledge that many SASSA staff are overworked and inundated with ongoing issues, this behaviour is unacceptable. No one should be treated in such a disrespectful manner. Furthermore, all staff should be aware of the SASSA Code of Conduct and Batho Pele principles under which they should operate.
The DA welcomes the commitment by SASSA management to investigate the matter and to take the necessary consequence management. We will monitor progress on the matter to ensure that this pledge is upheld.
The DA receives complaints, on an almost daily basis, relating to poor staff attitudes at SASSA offices. This prompted us to engage in our own recent oversight inspections at several KZN SASSA offices.
During the oversights we found office conditions not suitable for the services SASSA offers, with buildings that are aged and lacking in maintenance. Neither SASSA staff nor the public should be exposed to this.
The poor system under which SASSA operates also hinders staff in ensuring proper services to the public. The computer system is either very slow or completely down, while staff capacity remains a challenge. This has led to longer processing periods and waiting times for some of KZN’s poorest citizens.
SASSA officials must uphold the dignity and decorum of the institution they represent. The DA is committed to ensuring that citizens are treated with dignity and respect and will continue to hold officials accountable for poor services to the most vulnerable members of our society.