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The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has called on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to ensure that all beneficiaries have access to Postbank sites so that they can migrate to the new Postbank Black Cards before the deadline to receive their March 2025 social grants.
 
SASSA beneficiaries have until 28 February 2025 to renew their cards and transition from the SASSA Gold Card to the new Postbank Black Card, as thereafter all Gold Cards will be invalid for all transactions. The new Black Card has improved security features and provides better access to grant money through ATMs, selected retailers and online platforms.
 
The committee raised its concerns about the shortage of card renewal sites, which has resulted in long queues and delays in the transition process. In addition, the lack of Postbank sites in rural areas and areas outside urban areas has resulted in beneficiaries struggling to access renewal sites. Furthermore, the committee is concerned that not all the 28 million grant beneficiaries will be migrated before the deadline, due to these challenges and network problems at some sites.
 
The committee also expressed unease about Postbank’s chaotic rollout of the new cards. Numerous complaints have been received from beneficiaries who have not received their new cards due to some Postbank sites not being operational. The committee asked SASSA to consider extending the deadline to allow for a seamless process to access the cards on all sites.
 
The committee also called on SASSA and the Postbank to immediately ensure that all beneficiaries are able to access their grants and make transactions with the new cards. In addition, both entities need to find an improved strategy to roll out the Black Cards to ensure all beneficiaries receive their social grants in March.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango