/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Welkom Post Office, a vital lifeline for businesses and individuals across the region, is grappling with a range of pressing issues that are severely impeding its capacity to deliver efficient public service. These challenges have sparked widespread concern among residents who depend on the post office for seamless operations.

A recent oversight visit conducted by the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament for Matjhabeng, George Michalakis, and DA Councillors has exposed a series of alarming obstacles that are hindering the Welkom Post Office from fulfilling its pivotal community role:

The Disc Machine, a key component for crucial operations, has been out of order for the past two months. Moreover, the closure of the Traffic Department, which supplies essential "face-value" forms for license renewals, has further exacerbated the situation.

Printer toner shortages have forced staff to cover printing expenses personally, while the public is urged to handle their own copies. A previous service agreement with Nashua, aimed at mitigating this problem, was terminated due to non-payment.

Only 2 out of the 13 web post machines at the counters are functional, leading to manual and time-consuming transaction recording.

The impact of load shedding is magnified due to the lack of a permanent generator. Although a generator is rented for SASSA payments, this incurs additional costs.

Shortages in delivery personnel have significantly disrupted mail distribution across the wider Welkom area. The workforce has diminished from 18 to just 3, primarily conducting deliveries on foot.

Financial constraints have compromised security during SASSA pay-out periods, resulting in inadequate on-site security personnel.

A dysfunctional alarm system intensifies security worries and jeopardizes the safety of both staff and visitors.

Unattended fire extinguishers since 2020 pose potential hazards to the premises and its occupants.

Inadequate lighting and non-operational air conditioning create an unwelcoming work environment, with staff often working in poorly lit spaces.

A malfunctioning security keypad restricts unauthorised access to the mail centre, exacerbating operational challenges.

A substantial seven-month backlog in deliveries further compounds the post office's operational woes.

The DA is committed to submitting written parliamentary inquiries to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, to ascertain the full extent of the crisis and oversee the department's intervention.

The state of the Post Office stands as yet another testament to how the ANC government is eroding job prospects and our local economy. A DA-led administration will actively foster an environment that nurtures job creation and provides a conducive atmosphere for businesses to flourish.

Issued by René Steyn - DA Councillor Matjhabeng Local Municipality