I read the article in the Benoni City Times about the new Sassa office and that the service had improved.
Thus, when I found myself in the position where my wife had to make an application for an old age pension I was heartened by the article.
I walk with the aid of crutches.
So,when we arrived at the office, firstly I could not see any disabled parking. I would have imagined that, since Sassa is catering for the elderly, all the parking immediately in front of the building would be for the disabled.
We arrived at 2.10pm on a cold day in July, to find the entrance lobby crowded with people in total disorder.
I could not establish who was in charge.
I spotted a cleaner so I enquired from her as to what the procedure should be; she informed me that the security guard was on lunch.
The sign outside at the entrance stated the times as 7.30am to 4pm.
No lunch time, anyhow it was already 2.15pm by that time.
The security guard arrived and he ushered everyone out onto the sidewalk and said the queue must be there.
All in only one official language that I do not understand – and I speak Zulu.
He never offered to get me a seat or any disabled assistance.
I am sure many pensioners require assistance.
I would have expected the guard to be well trained in assisting such people.
Seeing that the queue was well down the road and that I had to be in the area early the next day, I decided to try again next day, just after opening.
When I arrived the next morning, much to my surprise there was an even longer queue, all old people standing on the sidewalk in the freezing cold.
Now, really, is that the way to treat the elderly?
The forms are not available on line, but I guess that is an attempt to reduce fraud.
This is in total contrast to the UIF department, where the people are courteous and caring, all too willing to assist. What a pleasure.
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