Cape Town - Scores of South Africans have complained of a communication breakdown with the South African High Commission in London.
People in South Africa and in the UK said on the commission website their calls were cut and the embassy staff were not co-operative.
At the helm of the SA High Commission in London, which also serves Northern Ireland, is former eThekwini mayor Obed Mlaba.
Complaints also involved documents – visas, passport renewals and driver's licences – as well as consular services.
The department’s spokesman, Clayson Monyela, said the commission in London was one of the busiest embassies and there could be many reasons for communication problems.
“It's a technology issue. The London office is often bombarded by calls. Getting through can depend on the quality of the line, whether you’re using a cellphone or landline and where you’re calling from,” he said.
He said, there could be many reasons for dropped calls.
“I’ve had to call several times to get through. We get these complaints every day, but for every two people who do not get through 10 do.”
Attempts to contact Mlaba were unsuccessful at publication time.
Sunday Argus