Premier
With regard to the implementation of the Priority Queuing System for elderly persons in government departments:
- Whether any provincial government departments currently implement the Priority Queuing System for elderly persons at service delivery points; (a) if not, why not;
(b) if so, (i) which departments currently implement such a system and (ii) what measures are in place to ensure its effective functioning;
- (a) which departments have recorded the successful implementation of the Priority Queuing System and (b) what best practices have contributed to its effectiveness;
- what challenges or obstacles have been identified in the implementation of the Priority Queuing System across departments;
- what interventions or recommendations are being considered by the provincial government to strengthen and standardise the implementation of the Priority Queuing System for elderly persons across all spheres of government service delivery?
Queue management is primarily handled by each department. As such, we are only able to supply information on where the electronic queuing system implemented by the Department of the Premier’s Centre for e-Innovation (CeI) at certain locations. Further questions on exact queue management procedures within each department should be directed to the relevant Ministers directly.
In this light, I am informed that:
- and (2) The Department of the Premier (CeI) initiated the implementation of electronic queuing systems at services delivery points and such piloted queuing systems at Vangate Centre, Mitchell's Plain Community Health Centre and the Vehicle Licensing office on the corner of Dorp and Long Streets in Cape Town.
The queuing system was initially also implemented at the Social Development Office in Gugulethu but after a break-in at the facility, the service was put on hold. It is also used for the First Thursday events. These sites fall under the departments of Mobility, Premier and Health and Wellness.
- The system at present currently does not allow a facility for the automatic prioritisation of elderly attendees. While standards may vary between service locations, such prioritisation is often handled manually on an ad-hoc basis as necessary. For example, ushers at the Premier’s First Thursday events are stationed along queues to offer prioritisation to attendees who may be elderly, disabled, pregnant, or accompanied by small children.
Additionally, funding to roll out electronic queue management systems to more facilities remains limited.
- The department is in the process of procuring a new solution through SITA in order to expand the service to a few more facilities. The capabilities of the system are currently under review.
