For two days I had to go to the office of the Department of Home Affairs in Paarl for documentation. But the department has just made it worth coming back for a third time to collect my documents.
Day 1: The official was walking through the queues at 07:00. Huh, people say they don’t work, I spend the whole day hoping to be helped since they also do bookings. But I’m hoping to be served.
This whirlwind of a woman is coming outside regularly to explain to us why we may not be helped. Well 16:00 arrived so I expect them to get into their cars and leave; amazed, I saw the staff still assisting clients in the office. I sat on the other side of the road and watched, expecting officials to rush out of the office. But it was only before 17:00 that staff started coming out of the office.
Today I’m there bright and early. The official is already working before 07:00, this self-same whirlwind lady communicating with clients.
Another lady with a clipboard and security clearly knows what is expected.
Finally I got into the office and followed the stations. Few staff, but friendly. Working together and good communication going on. Ms Valentine, you are a fabulous manager and you were clearly busy with quite a few matters at the same time, but you remember your clients.
Even when you were threatened with having a brick thrown at you by a crazy man on the street who came way after normal office hours, and you stood up to him.
I know people outside the offices think officials are lazy and work slowly. But when you are inside it’s a different experience. I come from Cape Town, and most of the clients drive from Cape Town and it is clear why; the service is excellent. Where do you get all that energy from Ms Valentine? Please let me know as your staff member said you head law enforcement as well.
Keep it up, Paarl. Thumbs-up!
