Community members are frustrated and desperate after standing in long lines at the Roodepoort SASSA office for almost a week without getting any help.

Tanya Prince said she visited the office on Tuesday, May 13, and again today, May 15, at 05:45, only to be met with a very long queue and a lack of communication about when they would be assisted.

According to Prince, SASSA staff informed them that they were only attending to people with queries and grant payment issues.

“Today we were told that only 60 people would be assisted, leaving the rest without help,” said Prince, adding that this office always has problems.

Sonia Sinyuko shared a similar experience, having visited the office on Wednesday, May 14, at 07:30.

She said they were told that the office was short-staffed and wouldn’t be able to assist them.

“We were given the option to stay or leave, but we can’t afford to come back multiple times,” Sinyuko explained, highlighting the challenges of travelling long distances.

“We have been standing in this queue ever since, and there’s no explanation whatsoever on what is happening or someone at least informing us on when we should come back”

The Roodepoort Record attempted to reach out to SASSA’s spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi for comment. An update will be published once received.