Concerns over Post Office branch closures

The planned closure of 130 post office branches across the country will have a negative impact on grant beneficiaries who rely on local branches to access their money.

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

ALSO READ: Post office in eSikhaleni reopens

‘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.

List of post offices in KZN to be merged:

– Winklespruit with Amanzimtoti

-Wandsbeck with Westville PO

– Umdoni with Scottsburgh

– Emphiti with Pietermaritzburg

– Dorpspruit with Mayor’s Walk

– Balgowan with Howick

– Filidi with Vryheid

– Ferrax with Newcastle

– Bellair with Rossburgh

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us: 

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer