Nyanga customer office to close over declining use and safety concerns

The City of Cape Town has announced the permanent closure of the Nyanga Customer Office at the end of October.

The City of Cape Town has blamed “significant decline in customer footfall” and incidents of violence and unrest over the past few years for the permanent closure of its Nyanga Customer Interaction Centre.

Mayoral committee member for finance Siseko Mbandezi announced that the office will close permanently at the end of October in a statement issued last Thursday.

He said the Nyanga-based staff member will now be redeployed to the Fezeka office to assist the customers there.

“The City apologises to customers,” Mbandezi said.

Asked what prompted the permanent closure of the Nyanga office, Mbandezi said the Nyanga Revenue Cash Office experienced a significant decline in customer footfall over the past few years.

He also said there were no customer visits on some days.

“This trend is reflected in a reduction in in-person payment transactions and receipt volumes, limiting opportunities for direct customer engagement and the delivery of a consistently high-quality customer experience,” he said.

Mbandezi further said there had also been incidents of violence and unrest in the area that made the City take the decision.

“In addition, ongoing incidents of violence and unrest in the surrounding area have raised safety concerns for both staff and members of the public accessing the facility,” he added.

Mbandezi stated that as a response to operational and safety challenges, the Revenue Department intended to continue providing accessible services to the Nyanga community that are safe and reliable through alternative service delivery models.

He urged residents to make use of other nearby offices, including the Fezeka office, which is just 3,6km away, and the City’s convenient online booking and payment options. 

“If in doubt, please phone ahead to check whether an office is open. The staff member will be redeployed to Fezeka to assist customers,” Mbandezi said.

He also said cash payments and account enquiries can be addressed at the Fezeka Customer Care Centre. 

“The municipal account payments can conveniently be made at various third-party payment agents/retail stores in the surrounding areas,” he said, referring to the Fezeka Municipal Building, Junction Mall in Phillipi, Gugulethu Mall in Gugulethu, Phillipi Plaza in Phillipi and Shoprite Centre in Phillipi.

Mbandezi thanked the Nyanga residents for their patience and continued support. 

“We encourage residents to use our simple and convenient e-Services options and to make an online booking when visiting an office in person. Customers are encouraged to check the City’s website or call ahead before visiting the nearest office,” he said.

“We remain committed to improving our service offerings to residents and we again urge customers to make use of our easy-to-use online options,” said Mbandezi.