The Plainsman visited the facility on Wednesday April 30 and spoke to residents making use of both Home Affairs and the Labour Department services.
Image: Marsha Bothma
For years, residents and staff operated out of a “cramped, deteriorating” Home Affairs office in Alpha Street, Beacon Valley, near Liberty Promenade. That changed with the opening of a new facility at 321 Merrydale Avenue in Portland, nearly three times the size of the old one.
On Tuesday April 1, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber officially opened the upgraded branch and was joined by Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Sub-council 17 chairperson Elton Jansen, and Ward 79 councillor Danny Christians.
The new office now offers 250 seats compared to the previous 50 and features upgraded systems, including cameras at each counter, removing the need for separate photo queues.
The Plainsman visited the facility on Wednesday April 30 and spoke to residents in the queue.
Amahle Mntuyedaa from Khayelitsha, who arrived with a friend, said the line was long but service was quick.
“They have a care for customers,” she said.
Pelican Park resident Elizabeth Heynes, 61, said it was her second visit to the new location. She was satisfied with the service but criticised the lack of outdoor shelter.
“What if it was raining? They should make provision.” She also noted that there were no seats outside, which posed a problem for elderly residents. Despite her appointment falling on Worker’s Day, she was helped the day before.
Sinesipho Makhehle, 20, also from Khayelitsha, arrived at the old Beacon Valley location before being redirected by a security guard.
“Finding the place wasn’t easy. I didn’t have an appointment but they helped me,” she said.
Pictured is Cassiem Gamiet, a Justice of the Peace since 1994, assists SASSA card holders every Thursday from 8am to 12pm at the new office.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Cassiem Gamiet, a Justice of the Peace since 1994, assists SASSA cardholders every Thursday from 8am to 12pm at the new office.
“It’s good to help the people, especially at the new facilities,” he said.
Dr Schreiber described the new office as part of a broader plan to make government services more accessible. He said this is the first step in rolling out more service points, especially through banks, under the Home Affairs @ Home programme.
"The Mitchell’s Plain branch marks a move away from “inadequate infrastructure and long-standing complaints, toward a more practical and better-equipped public service site,” he said.
For SASSA-related assistance, Cassiem Gamiet can be contacted on 082 672 1666.