It was a bittersweet situation when the local office manager for Sassa in Thaba Chweu retired after 27 years of service at the local offices.

“Although time has come for us to part, I hope that it does not mean farewell, and please do not hesitate to keep in touch,” were the words with which Marlene Coetzee bid farewell to her staff members.

She has diligently worked as a manager for Sassa’s Thaba Chweu offices since 2008, and started her career in 1992 as a senior clerk at the same centre.

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March 31 will be her last day, and she will then be embarking on a new journey. Coetzee said she was saddened to be leaving such a group of talented and kind-heartened individuals.

According to her, she will miss everyone she has worked with. “They all have become like family, as I see them every day. Especially the junior ones; they are like my kids. It is an emotional moment for
me, because they are all great colleagues and I can proudly say I have made great friends too.”

She said one of her most memorable moments was when they moved offices from Paul Kruger Street to Voortrekker Street.

“It was terrible working in that office, because the taxis could not get to where we were located. The young mothers, old people and disabled had to walk for about half a kilometre. I was lucky to negotiate with public works so that we could have this place. Since 2008 we have been close to other stakeholders, such as the police station, banks, post office and home affairs.

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“I would like to thank Sassa for the great support and cooperation provided in the past years. I will always remember our team spirit. The support and team building was a source of strength to me. I am grateful to have been a part of the Ehlanzeni management team,” she said.
Her colleagues said they were sad to see her go, although they understood it was time for her to retire.