Pensioners and disabled people trying to get help from the Sassa Germiston office were turned away recently.
This was due to the fact that the office had no electricity.
One pensioner told the GCN that she had been driving back and forth for over a week and each time she arrived at the office she was turned away as they couldn’t help her.
“I just want to know when the electricity will be restored,” she said.
Another resident said he had been trying to apply for a disability grant for his son, with no luck, due to the electricity problem at the branch.
He also said the power had been off for over a week.
The GCN contacted Steve Mabona, from Sassa head office, who said the electricity was off due to a misunderstanding between departments that are housed in the building and the municipality, with regards to the electricity bill.
“Please note, however, that no one was turned away, clients were assisted,” he said.
“The office could not offer a full service, but as of March 19, employees were working and doing manual applications which were then captured at the Reiger Park office,” Mabona said.
He added that the issue was resolved amicably and power was restored and things were back to normal by March 18.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to our beneficiaries and potential applicants,” Mabona said.
