GEORGE NEWS - A taxypayer who visited the George offices of SA Revenue Services yesterday (Wednesday 18 March) complained that he stood in a queue for far over an hour while staff members allegedly refused to serve clients.

The complainant drove all the way from Knysna. "While we, the clients, were waiting, staff members were standing in one corner talking and joking, and refusing to serve us."

He said a staff member alleged that a colleague had fallen ill and they were concerned that this person could have contracted Covid-19. They therefore did not want to work with the public. Some frustrated people left without being served, he said.

"I spoke to some of the people and at least two were from Mossel Bay."

The George Herald has sent a query to Sars to confirm the incident and whether an ill official had indeed been allowed to report for work. We also wanted to know what measures the office has in place to ensure staff members and the public are protected in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

According to the Sars media department, guidelines have been provided to the staff as to how handle documents from taxpayers and they have been supplied with hand sanitisers. Front-facing staff in offices have received masks and gloves.

There are also guidelines for taxpayers available from the contact centre on 0800 00 7277 or the web site.

Sars said the public has been informed that no more than 100 taxpayers will be allowed in a branch or office. "We will look into the matter at George branch and address this complaint with the staff and management."

Head of communications at Sars, Siphithi Sibeko, said if there had been a mishap, the department "will get to the bottom of it". "The manager of the Western Cape is investigating the matter. Although we stand by our protocols to protect staff and clients, taxpayers have to be attended to. As a principle, our offices are not closed."

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