DEMOCRATIC Alliance shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Haniff Hoosen, has promised to assist in addressing the never ending issues at the Pinetown Home Affairs premises.
Hoosen was called by Ward 18 councillor, Melanie Brauteseth, to intervene following the uproar and frustrations due to the increase in muggings and the long queues reported, yet again, in last week’s Highway Mail.
The meeting included SAPS, councillors, CPF members, Metro and Pinetown Home Affairs supervisor, Nozibele Mbhono, who was standing in for the manager, Musa Mngadi.
ALSO READ: Robbers still prey on Pinetown Home Affairs queue
Responding to questions from the officials, Mbhono said the management has reported this matter a number of times; “the senior officials are very much aware of the situation.
“Even we are concerned about what is happening in this area as we are also not safe. We also do not like what is happening here which is the reason we had a meeting in the morning for staff to draft a letter with our grievances. Being forever offline also makes our jobs difficult, the situation has worsened since last week.
“This matter is no longer affecting the clients but us as well. Our former manager was also a victim of crime outside these premises,” she said.
Mbhono was also asked about the relocation matter to which she said the manager, Mngadi, had a meeting with senior officials last week and there might be a place they are looking at but nothing has been confirmed.
Hoosen said the main problem that concerns him is the lack of management taking responsibility for the issue and its being continually overlooked.
At the home affairs office for less than an hour and Hoosen noticed numerous issues such as the dysfunctional toilets which, according to Mbhono, have not been working for more than a week.
“There are only two security guards, only inside. There are elderly, pregnant and people holding young babies standing in long queues. Exceptions should be made for such people. There should be a system that shows that the management cares,” he said.
Hoosen to to raise the matter at national level
According to Hoosen, it is clear the place is not big enough to accommodate all the people. “I will raise this issue tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 February) at parliament to try and put pressure on the public works department.
“This place does not a represent a government building, even the ceilings are falling down and it gives home affairs a really bad name and it needs to be sorted out urgently,” he said.
With regards to the viral post that was placed on Facebook by a concerned resident, Col Reed, who said they did not receive any assistance as they were told staff are in a meeting, Mbhono said their working hours are from 8am to 3.30pm, but they have a meeting every last Wednesday of the month and they start work at 9am.
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