Simon’s Town Post Office opened its doors for the final time on Saturday 15 October.
It is one of a string of post offices to permanently shut its doors in recent months.
Earlier this year, Johan Kruger, communications manager at the South African Post Office told People’s Post that the covid pandemic severely affected their income.
“The Post Office’s income was severely affected by the restrictions of the covid pandemic and we have not fully recovered from that yet. The result is that the Post Office can only partly service its debt at this time.
“We have implemented projects to improve revenue and they are showing results. The online renewal for car licences (not available in the Western Cape) is one example. We have also signed delivery agreements with several e-Commerce traders from abroad, including Wish.com.
“We are also in discussion with government for assistance.”
Last week, when questioned about the closure of the Simon’s Town Post Office, Kruger said it would be merging with Fish Hoek Post Office.
“Simon’s Town Post Office will merge with the Fish Hoek Post Office at the end of October this year.
“The staff and equipment will be redeployed at other branches convenient for them and where there is a need.”
He added that there are currently no plans to close the Fish Hoek Post Office.
Meanwhile, residents reacted to the news on social media.
Deanne Hunter commented that it was sad for such an efficient post office to be closing.
“Very sad as the ladies there are absolutely amazing. Friendly and efficient. Perhaps that is the reason they are closing. They are showing up the other branches as to how a branch should be run.”
Norma Karsten agreed: “This is indeed sad news, such efficiency is seldom found. I hope the staff find another post office and teach them the skills from Simon’s Town.”
Lindsay Bowker said the staff were always helpful.
“What a pity. It’s a pleasure going there and the staff are so helpful. Fish Hoek Post Office is awful, it’s dirty and smells of urine outside,” read the social media post.
Resident Roberta Bobby le Roux commented that the Simon’s Town Post Office had been there for decades.
“My mom grew up in Simon’s Town, she is a whooping 86 years young. When I told her now the post office is closing her words to me were that when she opened her eyes the post office was there.”
Shelley Pope wrote that the closure came as no surprise as the SA Post Office “barely functions”.
“Such a shame as this is the much better post office. Fish Hoek is dirty, smelly and barely functions, but then Sapo barely functions, so not surprising branches are being closed down.”
Veronica van der Merwe commented that she also found Fish Hoek Post Office to be “disgusting” and that she simply did not feel safe collecting mail on that side of Main Road.
“Valyland also closed down earlier this year. Fish Hoek Post Office is disgusting, it’s smelly outside and I don’t feel safe in that part of the Main Road.”
