As the February 28 deadline for replacing SASSA gold cards with the new Postbank black cards approaches, long queues, logistical hurdles, and accessibility concerns have sparked widespread calls for an extension.
Advocacy groups, including Pay the Grants and Black Sash, are urging the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Postbank to reconsider the February 28, 2025 deadline, citing insufficient time and inadequate communication with beneficiaries. With the next payment dates looming, fears of chaos and disruptions are growing.
Elizabeth Raiters, deputy Chair of Pay the Grants, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “We have millions of grant recipients; the queues are so long. “People are not going to be able to exchange their cards on time to receive their grants on time next month. This is going to be chaos, so again as the department, I’m urging them to extend the time and give the beneficiaries sufficient time as they did not communicate with the beneficiaries previously regarding this. They just spring that onto beneficiaries. Another thing is, these retailers are not in the areas where the beneficiaries are residing.”
Accessibility Challenges in Rural Areas
The transition has particularly affected beneficiaries in rural areas, where replacement sites are often far from their homes or usual grant collection points. Evashnee Naidu, Black Sash regional manager, highlighted the additional financial burden this places on recipients: “Beneficiaries have to travel to sites that are not necessarily close to where they live or collect their grants. This means extra costs, and many beneficiaries simply cannot afford to travel multiple times to ensure they get their new cards.”
Technical issues, such as network outages on grant payment days, have further complicated the process, leaving many unable to complete the card replacement despite their efforts. Elderly and disabled beneficiaries are especially vulnerable, with Naidu warning, “Elderly beneficiaries, especially those with disabilities, face major obstacles in getting to replacement sites. This could lead to thousands of vulnerable beneficiaries being left without access to their grants after February 28.”
Communication and Support Failures
The Department of Social Development in the Western Cape has also raised concerns about the lack of functional support systems for beneficiaries. Monique Mortlock-Malgas, spokesperson for Minister Jaco Londt, described the challenges as disheartening: “What we have found is very disheartening. The Postbank number is not functional as the call was dropped, and the SASSA number redirects one to reach out via WhatsApp. On WhatsApp, there is no option to enquire about the card migration process.”
This lack of effective communication channels has left many beneficiaries stranded, unable to access critical information or assistance. Advocacy groups have criticised SASSA and Postbank for inadequate support during the transition. Naidu argued, “SASSA has abdicated its responsibility to ensure that beneficiaries are fully supported during this transition. There needs to be more visible support and clearer recourse mechanisms for beneficiaries facing challenges.”
Warnings for Beneficiaries Without New Cards
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe has urged beneficiaries to act swiftly, stating, “We appeal to beneficiaries that have not yet switched to Postbank black cards to take the opportunity and get the new cards before the deadline of 28 February 2025, to avoid not being able to access their SASSA grant payments.” However, those who miss the deadline will face significant challenges, including the inability to withdraw funds, make transactions, or check balances, as their gold cards will be deactivated.
Shontel de Boer, DA KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson on Social Development, warned that beneficiaries without the new cards would have to rely on cash payouts at Shoprite, losing the convenience of the new black card.
She also encouraged recipients to consider transferring their grants to personal bank accounts for long-term convenience, stating, “These issues create unnecessary suffering for beneficiaries. We urge recipients to complete the necessary steps to switch their grants to a regular bank, so they won’t face future obstacles.”
Important Information: Enquiries and How to Apply
For beneficiaries seeking assistance or information regarding the SASSA gold card replacement process, the following contact details and application guidelines are provided:
How to Apply for the New Postbank Black Card.
- Visit a Designated Replacement Site: Beneficiaries are required to visit the nearest SASSA or Postbank-approved site to exchange their gold cards for the new black cards. Ensure you bring your ID and existing gold card for verification.
- Home Visits for Vulnerable Beneficiaries: Elderly or disabled beneficiaries who cannot visit replacement sites can contact Postbank customer care to arrange for a home visit.
- Transfer Grants to Personal Bank Accounts: For long-term convenience, beneficiaries are encouraged to consider transferring their SASSA grants to their personal bank accounts. This can be done at any SASSA office or via the SASSA website.
Contact Information for Enquiries
- Postbank Customer Care: 0800 53 54 55 Note: Some beneficiaries have reported issues with the Postbank helpline. If calls are dropped or unanswered, alternative methods are recommended.
- SASSA Helpline: 0800 60 10 11 Beneficiaries have reported being redirected to WhatsApp for assistance. However, WhatsApp support does not currently include an option for card migration enquiries. Alternatively email: postbank.enquiries@postbank.co.za
Important Information
To apply for a new Postbank Black Card or collect it, you can visit a Postbank site or dial 120218*3# from your phone and follow prompts.
Upcoming SASSA Payment Dates
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: 24–28 February 2025 (Monday to Friday)
- Old-Age Grants: March 4, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Child Support Grants: March 6, 2025 (Thursday)
