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Today South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) briefed the Standing Committee on Social Development to provide an update on the ongoing migration process from Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards. While the presentation outlined key steps in the card replacement process, it also revealed some troubling challenges that still need to be addressed to ensure a seamless transition for beneficiaries.

The DA in the Western Cape is still very much concerned about the shortage of Postbank service points in the province. This shortage has severely impacted the ability of beneficiaries to switch from their Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards. This is a matter that I have consistently raised as Chairperson of the Social Development Committee, since the announcement of the migration deadline.

At present, limited-service points are available across the province to process card replacements, including select locations in major retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Spar and Usave. Additionally, roving teams have been deployed to assist areas without fixed service points. This limited access to service points has made it difficult for many beneficiaries to complete the migration, with 174,473 beneficiaries in the Western Cape still needing to make the switch.

SASSA has underspent its R200 million budget for the Postbank card replacement campaign. This is worrying given that so many beneficiaries have yet to migrate to the new system, and the possibility of them not receiving their grants next month is becoming a very real concern for many vulnerable South Africans.

We have called on SASSA to provide more detailed information regarding the active service points and to ensure that a clear schedule for the roving teams is established, particularly in underserved areas. It is imperative that no beneficiary is left behind during this critical process. Furthermore, we urge both SASSA and Postbank to work together more effectively to address these issues with urgency. This is not just a bureaucratic concern. It is a matter of life and the livelihoods for countless vulnerable individuals and families who depend on these social grants.

In response to these ongoing issues, Postbank has confirmed that it will not be extending the 20 March 2025 deadline for card replacements. However, Postbank has given the assurance that cardless withdrawal options will be available for beneficiaries who do not receive their Black Cards by the deadline. Beneficiaries can register for the cardless option at any service point, ensuring they can continue to access their grants without disruption. Also, caretakers of bedridden beneficiary are advised to report to any nearby SASSA office and a Postbank official will be sent to assist beneficiary with the switch procedure.

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, DA spokesperson on Social Development has stated: “The DA in the Western Cape also encourage beneficiaries to consider alternative options for receiving their grant payments, such as having their payments directed to their bank accounts. We urgent strengthened collaboration between SASSA and Postbank, to ensure the dignity and well-being of millions of South Africans who rely on these grants. By working together with greater efficiency and transparency, we can restore confidence in the system, eliminate unnecessary hardships, and ensure that every beneficiary receives their payments without delay.

We trust that both institutions will take immediate action and address these challenges with the urgency, commitment, and transparency that our vulnerable communities deserve. Let us move forward together, united in partnership and social responsibility, to ensure that no beneficiary is left behind.

Issued by Wendy Kaizer-Philander MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development