Cape Town – the Western Cape Government has ramped up efforts to assist vulnerable social grant beneficiaries stranded by the chaotic transition from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards, despite having no formal mandate over the national agencies.
With February 28, 2025 deadline looming, thousands of beneficiaries—particularly in rural areas—face mounting anxiety over accessing their grants, as systemic failures and logistical gaps plague the migration process.
Rural communities bear the brunt of poor planning
DA Shadow Minister of Social Development and Western Cape Social Development MEC, Bridget Masango, revealed that the province has been inundated with complaints about the lack of accessible Postbank sites. “Why are most card replacement sites concentrated in Cape Town Metro, with only a handful in Caledon, Vredenburg, George, and Paarl?” Masango demanded, citing unresolved queries to Postbank Black Cards. “Residents in remote municipalities are forced to spend hundreds of rands on transport just to reach these sites—this is unjust and unsustainable.”
During a visit to a Paarl Postbank site this week, Masango witnessed chaotic scenes: “On Monday, staff weren’t present. On Tuesday, the office opened after 1pm. This lack of urgency is unacceptable when lives depend on these grants.” Beneficiaries, including a Citrusdal woman who spent R400 on taxi fare, echoed frustrations. “We have no options. My boss is angry, but this was the closest site,” she said.
Systemic failures and broken promises
Despite SASSA’s assurances, reports confirm non-operational sites in Vredenburg and Caledon, where Black Cards remain uncollected due to absent staff. A 73-year-old Paarl pensioner and SASSA Older Persons recipient lamented, “This is my fourth attempt to replace my card. SASSA must extend the deadline. Banks charge fees, and updating details at SASSA offices takes too long.”
Masango stressed that the Western Cape has repeatedly engaged SASSA and Postbank for clarity on critical issues:
- Municipal-level data on beneficiaries still needing migration
- Plans to address rural access gaps
- Training shortfalls for migration staff
“We’re still waiting for answers,” she said, vowing to escalate the matter to the National Minister of Social Development.
National pressure mounts for deadline extension
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development, chaired by Masango, has called for an immediate extension of the February 28 deadline, citing “chaotic rollout” delays and inaccessible sites. “Network failures, rural neglect, and operational incompetence risk excluding millions,” the committee warned, urging SASSA and Postbank to “ensure no beneficiary is denied March grants.”
The DA has joined demands for SASSA to retain Gold Card validity until all beneficiaries transition. DA Deputy Spokesperson Alexandra Abrahams slammed the agency’s preparedness: “These delays were predictable. Vulnerable South Africans cannot pay the price for national incompetence.”
As uncertainty looms over the SASSA Gold Card migration, this article sheds light on the human toll around bureaucratic failures. The Western Cape’s intervention highlights a deeper crisis—national agencies must put service delivery first, especially for marginalised communities.
With the deadline fast approaching, beneficiaries need immediate solutions, not empty assurances.
Important contact info for Postbank Black card applications / collection:
1. Visit a Postbank Branch
- Apply for a new Postbank Black Card or collect your card in person at any designated Postbank site. You can alternatively visit the Postbank website for further guidance.
2. USSD Service (Mobile Dialing)
- Dial 120218*3# from your mobile phone and follow the on-screen prompts to apply or inquire about your card.
3. Online Option
- Visit the official South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) website for additional details or support: www.sassa.gov.za
Ensure you have your ID and relevant documents ready for verification during the process.
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