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The EFF in the Eastern Cape raised concerns about the attempted relocation of the East London Home Affairs office from Fleet Street to Hemingways Mall. The party said the move caused confusion, long queues and frustration for residents who rely on the service.
What Happened
According to the EFF, many residents travelled to Hemingways Mall after being redirected from the old offices. They arrived to find that services were not operating because the mobile unit’s generator had broken down. Residents reportedly lost an entire day and spent money on transport without receiving any assistance.
The EFF said the attempted relocation created difficulties for people from townships and rural areas who depend on public transport. The party argued that the new location increased travel costs and made access to Home Affairs services more difficult.
EFF’s Concerns
The party said the relocation stressed a deeper issue. It argued that moving state services into private spaces shifts public functions into commercial settings designed for profit. The EFF claimed that government buildings in the East London CBD remain underused, yet the department opted to rent space in a mall instead of refurbishing its own facilities.
The statement also noted political tensions. The EFF said the relocation was not neutral and framed it as part of a broader power struggle over leases and service points.
Call for Action
The EFF demanded an immediate reversal of the relocation. The party said Home Affairs services should remain in publicly owned and centrally located buildings. It called on government to refurbish and modernise state-owned facilities instead of outsourcing essential services to private landlords. According to the statement, true service delivery requires strengthening the capacity of the state and placing services in locations that are accessible to working-class communities.
