The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has demanded that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provide a concrete action plan within 24 hours to resolve the widespread chaos surrounding the Gold Card migration to the new Postbank Black Card. The committee is calling for an extension of the SASSA Gold Card deadline to ensure that millions of grant beneficiaries do not face disruptions in receiving their social grants.
SASSA Gold Card Deadline: The Urgent Need for an Extension
On 7 February 2025, SASSA and Postbank announced that all Gold Card holders must transition to the new Postbank Black Card by 28 February 2025. After this date, the Gold Cards will be deactivated, preventing beneficiaries from withdrawing their social grants from ATMs or retailers. However, the transition process has been met with major hurdles, leaving millions of beneficiaries at risk.
Postbank began issuing the Black Cards in September 2024, but six million grant recipients still need to swap their cards. The lack of sufficient renewal sites and logistical challenges have resulted in long queues, site overcrowding, and delays. The Portfolio Committee is concerned that the current setup is inadequate to meet the approaching deadline.
Major Challenges Facing SASSA Beneficiaries
Limited Renewal Sites and Long Queues
One of the main concerns raised by the Portfolio Committee is the limited number of card renewal sites, especially in rural areas. Beneficiaries have reported excruciatingly long waits at Postbank sites due to congestion and inadequate infrastructure.
Network Issues and Dysfunctional Help Lines
Technical issues have further compounded the chaos. Some Postbank sites are experiencing network failures, preventing the smooth processing of new card applications. Additionally, complaints have emerged regarding the Postbank helpline (0800 53 54 55) being non-functional. Similarly, the agency helpline redirects callers to a WhatsApp service that does not provide an option to inquire about the card migration process.
Inadequate Communication and Accessibility
Many grant recipients have stated that they were unaware of the deadline and the transition process due to poor communication from SASSA and Postbank. This has led to widespread confusion, especially among elderly and disabled beneficiaries who rely on their grants for survival.
Committee Calls for Immediate Action and Deadline Extension
In response to these mounting challenges, the Portfolio Committee has urged the agency to extend the deadline beyond 28 February 2025 to prevent a social crisis. The committee has also directed SASSA and Postbank to:
- Provide a revised action plan within 24 hours to ensure all beneficiaries receive their Black Cards before March 2025.
- Guarantee that all grant recipients can access their social grants without delays.
- Improve the accessibility of card renewal locations, particularly in rural areas.
- Enhance communication strategies to ensure beneficiaries are well-informed.
How to Get Your Postbank Black Card
SASSA has provided the following steps for beneficiaries to obtain their new Postbank Black Card:
Find a Card Replacement Location
- Dial *120*218*3# from your cellphone.
- Select option 1.
- Choose your province.
- A list of locations issuing new cards will be provided.
Get Your Postbank Black Card from Retailers
Beneficiaries can replace their SASSA Gold Cards at the following retailers:
- Shoprite
- Checkers
- Usave
- Boxer Stores (nationwide)
- Pick n Pay (Gauteng stores only)
Required Documents
To obtain the Postbank Black Card, bring the following:
- A valid ID or temporary ID.
- If collecting on behalf of someone, provide a SASSA proxy letter.
- Asylum seekers must present an official SASSA approval letter.
Advocates Call for a Fairer Transition Period
Various advocacy groups, including Pay the Grants, have joined the call for an extension. Deputy Chair of Pay the Grants, Elizabeth Raiters, criticized the tight deadline, stating that millions of beneficiaries will not be able to exchange their cards in time. She highlighted that the lack of easily accessible renewal sites would leave many without grant access in March 2025.
“We have millions of grant recipients, and the queues are extremely long. People will not be able to exchange their cards in time, causing chaos. The department must extend the time frame and ensure proper communication with beneficiaries,” Raiters said.
Will SASSA Act in Time?
With just weeks left before the deadline, the Portfolio Committee’s demand for immediate action highlights the urgency of the situation. SASSA and Postbank must take swift and decisive action to address the logistical failures of the rollout. Extending the SASSA Gold Card deadline is the most viable solution to prevent grant recipients from facing financial hardship.
Grant beneficiaries and advocacy groups will be eagerly waiting to see if SASSA and Postbank heed the call for a more organized and inclusive transition plan.
Also Read: URGENT: February 2025 SASSA Postbank Card Deadline – What Beneficiaries Need to Know
