The deadline for the replacement of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards with PostBank's black cards is set for March 20, 2025, and officials are urging beneficiaries to complete the process before this final cutoff.
During a recent briefing, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reiterated the urgency of the matter, emphasizing, "Cabinet reminds beneficiaries, the old SASSA gold card will stop working on the 20th of March 2025, and beneficiaries who have not exchanged their cards by then will need to visit their nearest post office branch to access their funds." This statement serves as a clear warning to the millions reliant on social grants.
The transition, incited by the need for improved banking services for these beneficiaries, has been fraught with challenges. Khusela Diko, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies, expressed appreciation for PostBank's progress. She noted the swopping of about 797,497 social grant cards out of the planned 2.8 million, achieving roughly 28% of the total intended replacements. Diko acknowledged the hard work being put forth under challenging circumstances, stating, "Although the PostBank is not at the level it should be, its employees are doing their absolute best... We believe the PostBank can still do more, working together with all outstanding beneficiaries."
Despite this progress, significant obstacles remain. Long queues and slow service at various locations, particularly within the Western Cape, have led to frustration among beneficiaries. Diko highlighted the difficulties faced during this unprecedented migration process, remarking, "This card swop is unique and complicated as no other bank in South Africa has ever had to swop over 2.8-million bank cards without branch offices and adequately trained staff."
The Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe, recently criticized PostBank for its management of the card conversion process amid rising anxieties over service delays. Tolashe described the situation as severe, labeling it "a crisis," and demanded effective solutions to mitigate the stress and confusion felt by the 28 million affected beneficiaries.
PostBank has attempted to address these issues by ensuring beneficiaries would continue to receive their grants even after the March 20 deadline, albeit with some limitations. If beneficiaries have not replaced their gold cards by this date, they will still be able to access their social grants through local post offices. PostBank reassured the public, stating, "We would continue to swap the yellow cards for PostBank black cards until the last person has been assisted." This statement aims to alleviate fears surrounding the effective cut-off date.
Beneficiaries are being cautioned to act quickly. The March 2025 payment window between the 4th and 6th is when individuals can still access funds using the gold cards. SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi confirmed, "This includes withdrawing cash from ATMs, making balance inquiries, printing statements and withdrawing cash at retail tills. Beneficiaries will also be able to make purchases and check balances during this time.”
Still, it is clear from official communications and beneficiary experiences alike, migration to the new cards is imperative. SASSA acting CEO Themba Matlou urged recipients to understand the importance of transitioning away from gold cards, underscoring, "The March 2025 grant payments will be the last moment beneficiaries can access their payments with the old card. No payments will be processed through gold cards after March 20."
Government officials acknowledge the transition from the gold card to the black card as more than just a simple card change; it's part of broader efforts to modernize social grant disbursement and facilitate efficient banking practices for all beneficiaries. The urgency of migration cannot be overstated as officials, including Minister Ntshavheni, continue to stress this is the final extension for completing the transition and avoiding complications with grant payments.
With just weeks remaining until the deadline, it's imperative for beneficiaries to secure their new PostBank black cards to avoid any delays or disruptions to their grants and to stay compliant with the new banking requirements set forth by SASSA and PostBank. The message is clear: act now or risk losing access to much-needed financial support.