Cape Town — Postbank has assured all social grant beneficiaries it will continue exchanging the SASSA Gold Cards for its new Black Cards even after the March 20, 2025 deadline. Beneficiaries are under mounting pressure to switch to the new Postbank Black Cards, as there are fears they could lose access to their funds if the transition isn’t completed by the deadline. Consequently, millions could find themselves without any stream of income.
Postbank has come under intense scrutiny from Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe. Following visits to several Postbank branches, Tolashe noted the rollout of the new cards has been too slow. According to IOL, Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe assured beneficiaries, saying, "If you don’t have a black card by the payment run of April, South African Post Office (Sapo) will be the option to get your funds. We don’t want to leave anyone stranded and not to have access to their money." She emphasized the significance of these funds for many individuals.
Cooperatively, Postbank and SASSA issued guidance stating, “Beneficiaries who still have the SASSA Gold Card will have their March grants paid directly onto these cards.” To facilitate the switch, beneficiaries are encouraged to acquire the Postbank Black Card before the 20 March deadline. There is also support via services like dialing 120355# to locate nearby issuing outlets.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. “Although we appreciate the 28% progress in a space of two months, swopping 797,497 cards so far, we believe the Postbank can still do more, working together with all outstanding beneficiaries,” emphasized Sangoni-Diko, whose specific title was not unclear.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also launched initiatives to help beneficiaries make the switch to the new cards, easing the transition process. Wendy Kaizer-Philander, of the DA, noted, “There was a lot of fear among recipients... they would not get their new cards and grants.” Their concerted community efforts have reportedly helped more than 16,000 individuals successfully switch to the newer cards.
While concerns about the transition mount, rumors have been circulating about the possibility of new social grants, particularly the alleged R500 grant for 2025. Responses to this rumor, especially on social media platforms, have fueled confusion among beneficiaries.
SASSA has urged citizens to be cautious, declaring, “SASSA has publicly stated there is no R500 grant being introduced in 2025,” highlighting the need for beneficiaries to rely on official resources. No formal announcement concerning new financial aid has been made, and SASSA has warned the public against falling victim to scams via WhatsApp, social media, and other platforms.
Existing social grants still remain key, including the Old Age Grant, which provides R2,090 per month to citizens aged 60 and older, and R2,110 for those over 75. The Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, and Social Relief of Distress Grant are also important financial resources administered by SASSA.
Beneficiaries are advised to verify information on grants through official sources, such as the SASSA website or local offices. Other tips for identifying grant-related scams include being wary of unsolicited messages, ensuring no application fees are hidden, and reporting any suspected fraud to SASSA’s hotline at 0800 601 011.
Eligible individuals can apply for SASSA grants either at local offices or through online applications on the SASSA website, where they can keep track of their application status and collect payments via bank deposits or cash payment points.
With the impending deadline and increased scrutiny over the card swap process, it is imperative for beneficiaries to stay informed and prepare accordingly, ensuring they access the funds they need for their welfare.