Postbank Adds More SASSA Black Card Distribution Sites in Western Cape – Updated List

Postbank is urgently working to migrate Western Cape grant beneficiaries to the new black card before the 31 March deadline. However, only 23% of beneficiaries in the Western Cape have switched to the Postbank black card, compared to the national average of 30%. The black card, introduced last year, offers enhanced security and features to prevent payment disruptions.

Postbank and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) were recently called before the Western Cape legislature to explain the challenges of implementing the new bank cards for grant recipients. Grant recipients have until the end of the month to switch to the new Postbank black card to access grant payments.

With the expiry of SASSA gold cards approaching, Postbank has been urging grant recipients to switch to Postbank black cards to pay social grants. The process has resulted in delays and other challenges for some beneficiaries. Postbank and SASSA have ramped up efforts to communicate with recipients about the March 20 (2025) expiration date of the old Sassa gold card. Many recipients find the switch to the new card, which has been touted as having new and improved features, confusing.

Initially introduced in June last year, the new black cards were rolled out a few months later, in September, in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.

According to Social Development MEC Jaco Londt, the biggest problem has been the lack of Postbank service points in the Western Cape to accommodate the migration process. “This is a matter I have been continuously raising since Sassa and Postbank first made the announcement of the deadline for card replacements,” Londt said.

Postbank’s chief operating officer, Eurekha Singh, briefed the provincial legislature’s standing committee on social development about the gold card switch, stating that there would be no further extensions. “We are under a variation notice from the SA Reserve Bank; there is no intent to extend the deadline, that is not within our control. The card replacement must be… by the 31st of March ,” Singh said.

She added that Postbank has 27 distribution points in the province, but recruiting people in the Western Cape has been a challenge, with high turnover rates. Ruwaan Deokaran, Postbank’s general manager, noted that robberies at Postbank’s distribution points were particularly challenging in the Western Cape, leading to the shutdown of two sites.

In response to these challenges, Postbank has announced plans to increase the number of new SASSA black card distribution sites in the Western Cape to address growing demand and logistical challenges faced by beneficiaries.

Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako reassured recipients that capacity expansion is underway, particularly in high-demand areas. “The Western Cape is one of the provinces we have prioritised because we really want to push the numbers higher. We are working hard to get there by adding more distribution sites and increasing capacity at existing locations,” he said.

Diako confirmed that those who miss the March 20 deadline will still have access to their grants and be able to replace their cards afterward. “Postbank will continue distributing black cards beyond the deadline to ensure that everyone receives one. We will also make sure that all beneficiaries are paid, including those who may not have switched cards in time.”

Western Cape Issuing Sites

For an updated list of Postbank card replacement sites in the Western Cape, see below:

Postbank continues to work diligently to ensure that all beneficiaries in the Western Cape can transition smoothly to the new black card system, despite the challenges faced.

Find Your Nearest Postbank Collection Point

Dial 1202183# and:

1. Reply 1 to continue.
2. Select your province.

Avoid payment delays—switch today!

For assistance, contact:

• Postbank: 0800 53 54 55
• SASSA: 0800 60 10 11

Or visit your nearest distribution site for support.