Question NW44 to the Minister of Social Development
28 March 2017 - NW44
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1437 on 20 July 2016, any progress has been made with regard to the reopening of the SA Social Security Agency office in Kempton Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) on what date (a) was the specified office closed and (b) will the office reopen? NW48E
Reply:
1. The Agency has submitted its request to the National Department of Public Works (NDPW) to facilitate the process of acquiring permanent office accommodation for the Kempton Park area. The Department of Public Works reported that a lack of responses from potential service providers initially delayed the process.
However, the Department of Public Works has reported that the procurement process is now at an advanced stage as the submission for entering into a lease agreement with the recommended service provider has been routed to the Director General for approval/disapproval. SASSA now awaits feedback from the Department.
SASSA has in the meantime been rendering services from a temporary service office situated at the Ekurhuleni Municipality Camp Gallery side hall in Kempton Park, three times a week on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to ensure that the beneficiaries of Kempton Park are not negatively affected by the slow pace of procurement. This service office has been operational since September 2014.
2. (a) The Kempton Park Office was closed on 28 February 2012.
(b) The permanent office will be opened once all procurement processes have been completed. However, it should be noted that beneficiaries have continuing to be assisted through the service office.