Social Development Minister
By Lerato Mpembe
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has criticised the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) deadline to replace the SASSA/Postbank Gold Cards, stating that the current plan is unfeasible and lacks grounding in reality.
Extended Deadline Amidst Operational Challenges
Initially, SASSA set the deadline for beneficiaries to transition from the Gold Cards to the new Postbank Black Cards on 28 February 2025. However, due to significant operational challenges and feedback from stakeholders, this deadline has been extended to 20 March 2025. Despite the extension, Minister Tolashe expressed concerns about the agency’s ability to meet this new target.
In a recent briefing to Members of Parliament on the social development committee, Tolashe highlighted vulnerabilities in the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application and payment systems. She emphasised that the revised March deadline is unlikely to be met, stating, “The March deadline is not going to be met; there is just no way. When you look at what is happening on the ground, that deadline was not based on any facts. It’s just a deadline for the sake of having one.”
Operational Inefficiencies and Beneficiary Frustration
One of the primary issues raised by Minister Tolashe pertains to the inefficiencies in Postbank’s card replacement system. Reports indicate that certain Postbank sites are issuing as few as 12 cards every four hours, a rate insufficient to accommodate the vast number of beneficiaries requiring new cards. This sluggish pace has led to extensive queues and mounting frustration among beneficiaries, many of whom rely on these grants for their daily sustenance.
Minister Tolashe shared these observations to provide an accurate depiction of the challenges faced on the ground, stating, “I’m sharing this not to exaggerate but to give the committee an accurate picture of what is happening on the ground.”
Inadequate Interim Measures
In response to the long queues and extended waiting times, SASSA has attempted to mitigate discomfort by providing water and chairs to those waiting. However, Minister Tolashe criticised these measures as superficial and unsustainable, emphasising the need for a more practical and effective strategy to facilitate the transition to the Postbank Black Card.
She remarked, “That plan must be a functional one, not just something written on paper because right now, I can say it’s just on paper—it has nothing to do with the reality on the ground.”
Enhanced Security Features of the New Postbank Black Cards
According to Postbank, the newly introduced black cards come equipped with enhanced security features and comply with updated banking standards. These improvements aim to provide beneficiaries with a more secure and reliable means of accessing their grants. Despite these advancements, the rollout process has been marred by operational challenges, hindering beneficiaries’ access to the new cards.
Regional Disparities in Card Replacement Services
The Western Cape has been notably affected by the card replacement challenges. Western Cape Social Development MEC Jaco Londt welcomed the extension of the replacement deadline but raised concerns about the limited number of service points available in rural areas. He noted that the majority of service points are concentrated in the Cape Metro, with only a few in regions like George, Vredenburg, and Caledon. Londt emphasised the need for Postbank to increase the number of service points in rural areas and ensure that existing sites are adequately staffed to handle the influx of beneficiaries. He stated, “We have been pressuring SASSA and Postbank to address the flaws we have found in the card migration process, such as the lack of service points and adequate staffing.” 
Ministerial Oversight and Intervention
In an effort to address these challenges, Minister Tolashe has embarked on a series of oversight visits to Postbank card replacement sites across the country. These visits aim to assess the on-the-ground realities and expedite the card replacement process. Recently, she visited sites in Grabouw, Bellville, and Khayelitsha, engaging directly with beneficiaries and staff to gain firsthand insights into the operational hurdles faced during the rollout. 
Communication and Outreach Efforts
To ensure beneficiaries are informed about the card replacement process, SASSA and Postbank have initiated communication campaigns across various platforms. The South African Government’s official social media channels have been actively reminding beneficiaries to replace their SASSA Gold Cards before the 20 March 2025 deadline to avoid disruptions in accessing their benefits. 
Despite these efforts, there remains a significant portion of beneficiaries who have yet to replace their cards, underscoring the need for intensified outreach and support.
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