KHAYELITSHA OUTREACH BRINGS HOPE AMID SERVICE DELIVERY STRUGGLES

By Precious Mupenzi.

• The Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme held in Khayelitsha today revealed the strategic steps being taken to restore accessibility to social grant services in the area.
• The local community, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, have battled to travel long distances for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) services following the closure of closure of several service points in Khayelitsha due to crime and safety risks.
• SASSA has already come up with solutions, including a request already submitted to the Minister of Social Development to fast-track the opening of a second office.

Against the backdrop of community frustration and long queues, a renewed sense of hope is emerging for thousands of Khayelitsha residents who rely on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for critical support.

Today’s outreach at the OR Tambo Community Hall, led under the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme, revealed not only the challenges but also the strategic steps being taken to restore dignity and accessibility to social grant services in the area.

Speaking during the outreach, SASSA Western Cape regional executive manager Sibusiso Nhlangothi acknowledged the service delivery constraints affecting residents, particularly the elderly and people with disabilities.

He credited the local office manager, Sivuyile Magcoba, for nurturing strong stakeholder relations with councillors and community leaders, an essential foundation for collaboration and trust in the face of mounting service concerns.

Service point closures deepen access challenges

The closure of several service points in Khayelitsha, most notably those in Site B and Site C, due to crime and safety risks has placed an enormous burden on residents, who are now forced to travel long distances to the Kuyasa office, the only remaining operational point.

“We recognise the frustrations of the community. These closures were necessary for staff and client safety, but we are actively working on solutions,” said Nhlangothi.

Among these solutions is a request already submitted to the Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe to fast-track the opening of a second office and to revive previously closed service points through alternative procurement mechanisms.

Innovative footprint expansion underway

To address public outcry and decentralise service delivery, SASSA is exploring a range of alternative infrastructure options.

These include plans to occupy an expanded office within the Kuyasa Library building by June 2026, the establishment of Park Home service units on leased land in Khulani, and ongoing negotiations with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for a new site in Mandela Park.

All the projects are currently pending approval by relevant authorities, including the City of Cape Town.

“These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to bring services closer to the people and minimise the cost and time spent by clients travelling long distances,” said Nhlangothi.

Disability grant rejections remain a concern

Nhlangothi also shed light on another pressing issue: the Western Cape’s high rate of disability grant rejections.

“We lead nationally in this category, but it’s important to note that SASSA is bound by the outcomes of medical assessments. If applicants are deemed medically fit, we are limited in our ability to approve those grants,” he explained.

Innovations to streamline services

Despite these hurdles, the Khayelitsha local office continues to innovate within its constraints.

It currently manages grant assessments at seven health facilities, including one tertiary hospital, and has implemented a grant-type day system to ease congestion and protect elderly clients from long waits and exposure to health risks.

As the wheels of reform begin to turn, Khayelitsha’s residents can cautiously look forward to improved access, with SASSA reaffirming its commitment to placing people at the heart of service delivery.

“This outreach is about more than bringing services, it’s about listening, responding, and restoring trust. We are committed to making sure no one is left behind,” said Nhlangothi.