THE South African Post Office has dismissed allegations that there is a shortage of mail delivery vehicles.
This after concerned residents took to social media, alleging that the Post Office had contractual difficulties which affected mail delivery services.
Writing on Facebook, Umhlanga resident Nicola Doxey said, “We were at the Durban North Post Office depot today trying to find out whats happening to our mail. There is no strike. Apparently one of the problems is that Avis has pulled their vans out for delivering and there is such a backlog in Joburg that is why it could take weeks to get your mail delivered to your house. They advised getting a post box so that your mail will reach you.”
Speaking to the Northglen News, another resident, Diedre Simpson said she hasn’t received her mail for three months.
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“I have subscriptions with various magazines. I have not been receiving them for three months now and the supplier assured me they have been sent. I haven’t tried contacting the Post Office but clearly there is a problem,” said Simpson.
Posing as a resident, one of our journalists called the Durban North branch. A female worker at the branch said, “I am not sure what the cause is but we have a shortage of vehicles. Residents who are waiting for urgent mail are welcome to visit or call us, we will help them make arrangements to get it.”
SAPO provincial spokesperson Nobuhle Njapha denied the allegations saying the backlog is due to the workers strike which ended more than a month ago. All SAPO employees returned to work on 19 July, after weeks of striking demanding better wages.
“There was a backlog of mail due to the strike. The Durban North and surrounding street delivery backlog was worked out and we are now delivering current work in this area.
“We do have shortage of vehicles in some areas due to the changeover but the whole of this week we had a dedicated vehicle for the Durban north areas. Normally we do not deliver on weekends but to ensure that our customers get their mail, we are delivering in most areas,” Njapha said.
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