Concerns over Post Office branch closures

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the South African Post Office’s (SAPO) decision to permanently close the branches.

“The DA will be submitting parliamentary questions to the departments of Social Development and Communications, to find out what contingency plans have been put in place for the payment of social grants which may be affected by these closures,” the DA said in a statement.

The party said this could be potentially catastrophic to the distribution of social grants.

“SAPO was ultimately awarded the contract to distribute grants exactly because of its wide footprint through the country and its ability to reach millions of poor South Africans in the most rural of communities.

“The closure of these cash distribution points will potentially leave vulnerable grant recipients in the lurch,” the DA said.

Post Office CEO, Nomkhita Mona told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications last week that the decision to close the branches was due to non-profitability.

SAPO said it will be merging some post offices mostly in urban areas which are 5km or less apart.

‘The employees and equipment at branches that are merged, are redeployed within the area to capacitate the bigger branches and to make sure customer service remains optimal.

“The extensive network of outlets remains the unique advantage the Post Office has.

With the Universal Service Obligation in mind, no branches in rural areas are considered for merging.

“This consideration is particularly important since the Post Office is also an access point for government services such as social grants and motor vehicle licences,” SAPO said.

Post offices to be merged

Eastern Cape

• Nelson Mandela University merges with Summerstrand post office
• Market Square merges with Grahamstown
• Emerald Hill merges with Walmer
• Noorsekloof merges with Jeffreys Bay

Gauteng

• De Deur merges with Meyerton
• Henbyl merges with Vanderbijl Park
• Linden merges with Saxonwold
• Tokoza merges with Kwenzekile
• Fontainebleau merges with Randburg Square
• Sonlandpark  merges with Arcon Park
• Glenharvie merges with Westonarea
• Krugersdorp North merges with Krugersdorp
• Monumentpark merges with Elardus Park
• Jukskei Park merges with Bryanston
• Fairland merges with Cresta
• Strubens Valley merges with Ruimsig
• Dunnotar merges with Sharon Park
• Amanda Park merges with Cinda Park
• Bakerton merges with Springs

KwaZulu-Natal

• Winklespruit merges with Amanzimtoti
• Wandsbeck merges with Westville PO
• Umdoni merges with Scottsburgh
• Emphiti merges with Pietermaritzburg
• Dorpspruit merges with Mayor’s walk
• Balgowan merges with Howick
• Filidi merges with Vryheid
• Ferrax merges with Newcastle
• Bellair merges with Rossburgh

Western Cape

• Onrusrivier merges with Hermanus post office
• Strand East merges with Strand
• Soneike merges with Kuilsrivier
• De Rust merges with Oudtshoorn
• Garden Route Mall merges with George Industria
• George-East merges with George
• Capricorn Square merges with Muizenberg
• Die Boord merges with Stellenbosch
• Somerset Mall merges with Somerset West

For more information, visit the official South African Post Office website by clicking here.