Cape Town – Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has dismissed the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) deadline to replace its Gold Cards, calling it unrealistic and unworkable.
Initially set for February 28, the deadline was extended to March 20. However, Tolashe made it clear that meeting this target is impossible given the current pace of card replacement efforts.
‘There Is Just No Way’
Briefing Parliament’s social development committee on Wednesday, February 26 (2025), Tolashe was blunt in her assessment of the situation.
“The March deadline is not going to be met; there is just no way. When you look at the phenomenon on the ground, that deadline was not informed by the fact. It was a deadline for the sake of having it,” she said.
Tolashe’s concerns stem from major inefficiencies in Postbank’s card replacement system. According to her, the bank is issuing only 12 new cards every four hours, leaving thousands of grant beneficiaries stranded as the deadline looms.
“I’m sharing this not to exaggerate but to give the committee an accurate picture of what is happening on the ground,” she stressed.
Crisis in Card Replacement
The minister, who has been conducting oversight visits to stores – used as Postbank sites – in Cape Town, said the lack of a concrete plan is alarming.
“Indeed, there is a crisis. It is a crisis because we identified that there seems to be no plan. If there is a plan, I have yet to see it,” she said.
Tolashe also criticised SASSA’s short-term measures, such as providing water and chairs to beneficiaries waiting in long queues, calling it an unsustainable solution.
Postbank has been rolling out its new black card, which reportedly features enhanced security and compliance with updated banking standards. However, with major logistical hurdles still unresolved, Tolashe doubted the feasibility of the transition within the set timeframe.
“They must tell you exactly what their plan is and that plan must be a working plan, not a plan put on a white paper. At the moment, it is put on white paper and has got nothing to do with what is going on,” she added.
Parliament Demands Answers from Postbank
Members of Parliament from across party lines expressed frustration over the crisis.
Committee chairperson Bridget Masango criticised Postbank for failing to provide key information requested by MPs ahead of their oversight visits.
“It is a concerning situation that you feel almost you are being undermined by the entity of a department of government,” she said.
ANC MP Tshilidzi Bethuel Munyai called for Postbank to be summoned before the committee. “It would be appropriate that Postbank is invited to account for their business,” he stated.
MK Party MP Nhlanhla Gcwabaza echoed the demand, emphasising that the issue could not be treated as business as usual. “I support that Postbank must come here and answer really what is happening,” Gcwabaza said.
EFF MP Paulnita Marais and DA MP Alexandra Abrahams also raised concerns, with all parties agreeing that Postbank must urgently explain its strategy for resolving the crisis.
11,000 Beneficiaries Without Access
Tolashe further highlighted the dire situation in areas like Grabouw, where approximately 11,000 grant recipients have no designated Postbank site and must travel to other towns to receive their payments.
The minister issued an apology to the affected beneficiaries and their families.
“We really apologise profusely, hence we appeal to Postbank to resolve the matter,” she said.
How to Locate SASSA Card Replacement Sites via Cellphone
Beneficiaries can use the following step-by-step process to find card replacement sites for the new Postbank Black Card:
1. Dial the USSD Code: On your cellphone, enter 120335# and press “Call.”
2. Start the Service: Reply with “1” to continue.
3. Select Your Province: Reply with the number corresponding to your province (e.g., 1 for Gauteng, 2 for Western Cape, etc.).
4. Choose Your Municipality: Reply with the number of your local municipality. A list of card replacement sites in that area will then be displayed.
Additional Support Options:
- Visit www.postbank.co.za for updates.
- Call the Postbank helpline: 0800 53 54 55.
- Check Postbank’s official social media pages for announcements.
