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Postal services in Olifantshoek have come to a standstill for close to three months, as the South African Post Office (SAPO) fails to pay its monthly rental fees for the building that it occupies.

The post office has shrugged its shoulders at a proposed payment arrangement by the landlord, who is willing to re-open the building if just half of the outstanding debt is paid. The post office, however, claims there is simply no money for the Olifantshoek post office.

Staff have gone without salaries, placing the financial sustainability for employees and their families in jeopardy. Their medical aids have also lapsed, although the DA notes the commitment given by SAPO earlier this month that employees countrywide will have their medical aids reinstated.

The situation in Olifantshoek presents a large blow to the local residents and residents of surrounding rural areas, who are largely dependent on the municipality for the submission of job applications through postal services, the renewal of television licenses, the payment of policies, the renewal of motor vehicle licenses, the payment of Telkom accounts, pension and salary payouts, and the delivery of packages and letters, some from overseas and some in the form of essential items, such as medication.

Residents of Olifantshoek and surrounding areas are under increasing financial strain, as additional expenses have to be incurred to enable them access services at the next nearest post office in Kathu, 55 kilometres away. The community simply cannot afford to have the post office in a state of limbo any longer.

The situation re-emphasizes the ongoing state of dysfunctionality of the SAPO, which time and again proves itself to be yet another failed ANC State-owned enterprise.

I will write to the Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, asking that he takes this up with the National Minister. I will also refer it to the DA’s DA Shadow Minister of Communications, to take up in parliament.

Postal services must be urgently reinstated.

Issued by Anna Morwe, Cllr - Gamagara Municipality