The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is working to secure new office premises in Umlazi, south of Durban, after its local offices were closed due to safety concerns.
The Department of Employment and Labour shut down the agency's premises last month after inspectors found the building to be unsafe.
SASSA spokesperson Mbizeni Mdlalose said the agency had engaged with local stakeholders, including the municipality, to arrange temporary accommodation while searching for a permanent solution.
“Immediately after our offices were closed, we engaged with our stakeholders in the community of Umlazi, including the municipality. We were then offered a community hall which we can use until we resolve our issue,” Mdlalose said.
He added that the agency was exploring alternative premises and negotiating with other government departments to accommodate its offices.
In the meantime, beneficiaries can access SASSA services at the City Hall building in Umlazi's D Section.
However, local resident Tholakele Shozi said she was unaware that the offices had been closed or where the temporary service point was located.
She said the closure had affected her ability to obtain a letter confirming that she receives a grant for her grandchild, who has applied for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Shozi said the community had hoped the agency would renovate its previous premises and called for better facilities at the new offices.
She described the former offices as dirty and poorly maintained, citing broken windows and unhygienic toilet facilities.
She said she hoped the agency would provide beneficiaries with a cleaner and safer environment when its new premises were secured.