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DA wrote to the MEC of Social Development in North West, Susanna Dantje, as well as SASSA, requesting urgent clarification on the extremely short list of service points identified where SASSA beneficiaries can obtain their new Postbank black cards.

Just like in the rest of the country, thousands of SASSA beneficiaries in the North West Province are required to transition from gold cards to Postbank black cards by 20 March 2025. Despite the urgency of this transition, only 11 service points have been designated across the entire province. This limited number of locations is entirely insufficient given the vastness of North West, creating financial and logistical challenges for many beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, disabled, and those living in rural areas.

The DA demands additional service points to be introduced before the deadline to improve accessibility and that adequate measures are put in place to ensure that all beneficiaries can transition to the new card on time. We also request that mobile units be used to ease the logistical challenges on the beneficiaries in remote areas.

The government has a duty to administer resources justly and ensure that all beneficiaries have equal access to their grants without undue hardship. The DA remains committed to advocating for fairness and dignity for all.

Issued by Hendriëtte van Huyssteen - DA Spokesperson on Social Development in the North West