Department of Labour Paar office disaster

I would like to express my utter disappointment in my service delivery at the Department of Labour, Paarl office. I first visited the office on the 7th of October and submitted my application. I was told to wait 35 working days. Every other branch does not have this long waiting procedure.

I returned on the 26th of November and was given a new form to fill in. By the 7 December I completed the payment form and was told it would be ready by the 14th. It was not. I returned on the 18th and waited for at least an extra 30 min and was given a thumbs up that all was done. I was told to expect the money by 24th. Again by the 24th nothing. I called the branch and was told that nothing would be done due to the fact that they will be closing for the festive season. I returned to the branch on the 2nd of January and was told that there was a closing date to submit payments and I missed it. I was given assurance that it would be ready by the 7th.

I decided to call the Somerset branch to verify a few details. The closing date for payments was on the 20th of December. Also all of my colleagues that claimed UIF did not wait 35 working days.

The lady answering the call suggested I try completing my application online. This was the first mention of it, the employees at the Paarl branch never mentioned it to me. Upon completion of the online profile I was able to check the status of my application prior to doing a payment request. Nothing was done on my application since 12 of October. I was disgusted by this. I managed to complete process and got confirmation from website and Somerset online check that details were sent through.

I will absolutely recommend Somerset office and strongly advise staying away from Paarl office. Also online is the best for those who has access to it.