EVANDER – Social workers are back at work and offices are now operational after being closed for two months.
The social workers downed their tools demanding that the Department of Social Development (DSD) provide an adequate building to work in.
The workers were unhappy with the asbestos building where 45 workers had to share 10 offices.
They complained that it is too small with no privacy for their clients.
Allegedly the head of department, Mr Xoli Mahlalela, instructed them to vacate the offices after they raised their concerns over the state of the building, but he did not tell them where to go.
Mr Mahlalela said the department is aware of the challenges at the Evander offices.
He instructed the social workers to vacate and move to the Sassa offices where two offices were given to them.
Mr Mahlalela told Ridge Times that they began demolishing the asbestos structure and will soon install a mobile office.
“Everything is back to normal.
“Our officials are working from the Sassa office.
“They are working around the clock to address the backlog.
“We apologise to the community and the beneficiaries for the inconvenience caused.
“The government and DSD is committed in addressing the infrastructure challenges in Evander.”
The social workers said they are happy that Mr Mahlalela and the department intervened to address their challenges.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/143356/workers-calling-national-government-intervene-evander-dsd-sassa-office-saga/
