Johannesburg, South Africa – With just days remaining before the March 20 (2025) deadline, millions of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries are urged to replace their expiring Gold Cards or switch payment methods to avoid disruptions.
SASSA and Postbank officials have emphasised that transactions using the old Gold Cards will be permanently halted after the cutoff date, but stressed that alternatives are available to ensure continued access to social grants.
“SASSA Gold Cards will stop working on 20 March 2025. No beneficiary would be able to use their SASSA Gold Card to make any transactions,” Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe declared on Tuesday.
The warning comes as SASSA ramps up a nationwide outreach program to assist beneficiaries in transitioning to the new Postbank Black Cards or selecting alternative banking options.
In a media statement issued Monday, SASSA Acting CEO Themba Matlou acknowledged the challenges of the migration process but highlighted progress in collaboration with Postbank.
“The drive to phase out the SASSA Gold Card is nearing its end in three days’ time, and as SASSA, we can say without any hesitation that it has not been an easy process,” Matlou said.
He credited improved coordination between the two entities for streamlining efforts to support over 2.9 million beneficiaries initially reliant on the Gold Card.
Nationwide push to meet deadline
SASSA has deployed teams across all provinces to assist beneficiaries, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Outreach programs, including weekend campaigns, have targeted communities without easy access to Postbank sites.
“These outreaches were held even on weekends where we reached more people in community halls, Thusong Services Centers, and in some shopping centers,” Matlou explained.
In Gauteng, SASSA teams are currently conducting on-the-ground assistance, while the Eastern Cape division recently concluded a “last push” in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality.
Step-by-step guide to replacing your Gold Card
Here are easy steps to ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions in grant payments:
- Locate a Replacement Site:
- Dial the USSD number 120355# on any phone to find the nearest SASSA Gold Card replacement site.
- Visit one of 287 replacement sites nationwide, including 237 additional Spar stores. Retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, USAVE, Shoprite, and Checkers also offer Postbank card replacement services (not all stores participate – confirm before visiting).
2. Operating hours
- Most sites operate during retailer business hours, with some open until 8pm. Select locations also open on Saturdays for convenience.
3. Roving teams for remote areas:
- Postbank and SASSA have deployed mobile teams in every province to reach beneficiaries in far-flung areas. These teams prioritise communities without easy access to retailers.
4. Online access:
- View the full list of replacement sites via the Postbank website: www.postbank.co.za
Flexible alternatives for beneficiaries
While the new Postbank Black Card is a primary replacement, Matlou emphasised that beneficiaries retain the right to choose their preferred payment method under Regulation 23(1) of the Social Assistance Act.
“Beneficiaries were assisted with issuance of the new Postbank cards while some were also migrating to their own preferred bank accounts,” he stated.
Final call to act
With the March 20 deadline imminent, beneficiaries are urged to visit SASSA or Postbank offices, community outreach stations, or utilise online platforms to update their details. Officials warn that delays could result in paused payments, but reassure that alternatives remain accessible.
“The government had to comply with the processes and prescripts outlined by the South African Reserve Bank,” Matlou said, defending the timeline. “Postbank, as the bank driving the migration, had to be supported by SASSA’s interventions to expedite the process.”
For assistance, beneficiaries can contact SASSA offices nationwide or follow updates via official social media channels:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beneficiaries are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the ongoing SASSA Gold Card outreach programmes. Those needing assistance must bring along required documents – copies of their 13-digit ID, 3 months bank statement or bank confirmation letter if it’s a new account.
