​​Expanded Social Package registrations at Vlakfontein Skills Centre and Rabie Ridge will be temporarily halted.

This follows a spate of recent break-ins in which computers and other critical equipment was stolen.

The City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department has apologised for any inconvenience caused as a result of the break-ins.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Mpho Phalatse, condemned the occurrence of criminal activity targeting vital equipment intended to uplift residents who need assistance the most.

“We cannot afford to have our services disrupted due to thefts and vandalism. T​he ESP program is one of the vital programs that is designed to provide early intervention services that enables the indigent individuals and families to access the social support mechanisms in the city. Security of government facilities should be the responsibility of all of us, including the communities we serve,” said Phalatse.

The department said the theft of any technology or equipment intended to benefit our communities is an issue of growing concern because these break-ins hampered service delivery for the ESP program.

Residents affected by the disruption of services have been advised to visit the following nearby registration centres where full services are running: