JOHANNESBURG – South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards will cease to function at midnight on March 20, 2025, marking the end of a months-long migration process to the new Postbank Black Cards.
While over 1.5 million beneficiaries nationally (including 174,000 in the Western Cape) have yet to swap their cards, officials have urged calm, emphasising that funds remain secure and accessible through two key options.
Option 1: Postbank in-person withdrawals at selected Post Offices
Beneficiaries who miss the deadline can still access their grants by visiting designated Post Offices with a valid ID and cellphone. Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe confirmed that funds will remain safeguarded in beneficiaries’ accounts, but withdrawals or purchases using the obsolete Gold Cards will be impossible.
Western Cape Social Development MEC Jaco Londt stressed: “Beneficiaries’ money is secured, but they will not be able to withdraw money or make purchases with the old cards after today.”
For April’s SASSA payments (April 3 – 5), beneficiaries can collect grants at Post Offices, though this option is restricted to those with Gold Cards, asylum seekers, or Postbank Green Mzansi/Blue Card holders.
Postbank will continue issuing Black Cards beyond the deadline, with an extended swap window until June 2025.
Option 2: Switch to Bank Cards or Postbank Black Cards
Beneficiaries are encouraged to migrate to the Postbank Black Card or link grants to personal bank accounts. The new Black Card offers enhanced security features, including biometric authentication and encryption, while retaining benefits like free first replacements and three monthly in-store withdrawals.
To obtain the Black Card, visit participating retailers (Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, or Spar) with a valid ID. Over 40 migration sites, including roving teams, are operational in the Western Cape, with plans to expand to Spar outlets in Khayelitsha, Saldanha, and other regions.
Londt urged beneficiaries to act swiftly: “Public representatives, banks, and retailers have been assisting beneficiaries to open bank accounts or submit SASSA forms. These outreaches must continue to ensure everyone accesses their grants next cycle.”
Option 3: Cardless transactions at retailers
Postbank has introduced cardless transactions as an alternative for beneficiaries who miss the deadline. This method, already used for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants, allows withdrawals at designated retailers without a physical card.
How it works:
- Registration: Beneficiaries can sign up for cardless withdrawals at any Postbank service point or participating retailer.
- Withdrawal limit: R3,000 per transaction.
- Process: After registration, beneficiaries receive a unique code to withdraw cash at till points in stores like Shoprite, Checkers, or Pick n Pay.
Challenges remain: Black Sash warns that awareness gaps persist, with many grant recipients unsure how to register or where to seek help. Postbank has yet to clarify specifics for non-SRD beneficiaries.
Critical risks of delaying the switch
From March 20, Gold Cards will be declined at ATMs, retailers, and point-of-sale devices. Mbengashe warned: “Retailers will not accept Gold Cards, and ATMs may swallow them.”
Post Offices will become the sole withdrawal channel for non-migrated beneficiaries, though accessibility concerns persist due to nationwide post office closures.
Human rights group Black Sash highlighted challenges: “Fewer post offices mean longer travel, higher costs, and overcrowding. Clarity on operational sites is critical.” SASSA’s Sibusiso Nhlangothi pledged improved communication on Post Office locations.
Migration progress and challenges
Nationally, 2.85 million beneficiaries now use Postbank services, while 1.5 million remain unswapped. In the Western Cape, 102,000 have adopted Black Cards, and 44,000 switched to banks.
SASSA has extended office hours and approved overtime to process verifications, with staff working weekends until 1pm.
Despite efforts, technical glitches, long queues, and understaffing have plagued the process. Nhlangothi acknowledged the need to “kill many birds with one stone” through accelerated verification.
ALSO READ: SASSA Grant Gold Card deadline extension isn’t enough, warn public interest group
Looking ahead
Postbank assures beneficiaries that April grants will be disbursed as scheduled. Those without Black Cards must collect funds at Post Offices, while others can use retailer cardless payments or ATMs.
To find your nearest card-swap site:
- Sites issuing the Postbank Black Card nationally can be viewed or downloaded here. (6,282 kb pdf).
- Alternatively dial *120*355# (Standard rates apply) to get all updates regarding the Postbank Black Card issuance drive.
MEC Londt’s final appeal: “Do not wait. Secure your payment method now to avoid disruptions.”
Stay informed
- Real-time updates: Follow SASSA on social media, including Facebook (SASSANewsZA). You can also follow Postbank on Facebook: @Postbank SA and @Postbank_ZA on X.
- All sites that are issuing the Postbank Black Card nationally can be viewed or downloaded here. (6,282 kb pdf)
- For Black Cards enquiries, you can visit the Postbank website here.
- Breaking SASSA news: Visit the NOWinSA SASSA Resource Page for the latest updates and essential information.
