SASSA
By Mpho Moloi
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries now have until 30 April 2025 to swap their old SASSA gold cards for the new Postbank black cards. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the extension on Thursday, 27 March 2025, giving SASSA and the Department of Social Development more time to help millions of beneficiaries complete the switch. The move aims to ensure a smooth transition to a safer, more secure payment system, with Postbank nearing full compliance with South African Reserve Bank standards.
More Time for a Smoother Switch
The clock was ticking for SASSA’s 13 million grant recipients to replace their gold cards, with earlier deadlines set for 28 February and then 20 March 2025. But after Cabinet’s Wednesday meeting, Ntshavheni confirmed a new cut-off. “The deadline for SASSA beneficiaries to swop their SASSA gold card for the Postbank black card has been extended to 30th April 2025 to allow SASSA and the Department of Social Development to complete the migration of the outstanding beneficiaries,” she said during a Pretoria media briefing.
This third extension reflects the scale of the task. Over 9 million beneficiaries still rely on the gold cards, linked to Postbank since SASSA ended its contract with Cash Paymaster Services in 2018. Delays in card swaps—caused by long queues, rural access challenges, and awareness gaps—prompted the extra time. Ntshavheni assured the public that no one will lose their grants during this process, easing fears among pensioners, caregivers, and disability grant holders.
Why the Change Matters
The shift to Postbank black cards is about security and efficiency. “The Postbank has met eight of the nine requirements of the South African Reserve Bank for paying social grants, and the last outstanding item being the physical replacement of the cards,” Ntshavheni explained. The old gold cards, introduced years ago, lack modern fraud protection, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to theft and scams. The black cards, with chip-and-PIN technology, promise a safer way to access Child Support, Old Age, Disability, and other grants worth over R200 billion annually.
Postbank’s upgrades also fix past glitches. In 2023, payment delays left thousands stranded, sparking protests in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The new system cuts reliance on third-party banks, streamlining payouts and saving taxpayers millions in fees. With three free monthly store withdrawals, one free yearly card replacement, and a free over-the-counter statement, the black card offers practical perks for South Africa’s poorest households.
How to Get Your New Card
Swapping is straightforward. Beneficiaries can visit major retailers like Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer to collect their Postbank black cards. All they need is a valid South African ID or temporary ID—no extra costs or forms required. Postbank has rolled out collection points nationwide, with staff on hand to assist.
Not sure where to go? Postbank’s USSD service makes it simple:
• Dial 120355# on your cellphone.
• Press 1 to continue.
• Select your province’s number from the list.The system then sends details of the nearest pickup spot. For rural areas, mobile units have been deployed since January 2025, reaching places like Limpopo’s Vhembe district and North West’s Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, where banking access is scarce.
Progress and Challenges
Postbank’s push to replace cards is picking up pace. By February 2025, over 4 million beneficiaries had switched, with Gauteng and Western Cape leading the charge. But provinces like Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga lag, with only 30% uptake due to transport issues and misinformation. SASSA’s door-to-door campaigns in 2024 helped—teams hit over 50,000 households—but the sheer number of recipients means the 30 April deadline is a lifeline.
The South African Reserve Bank has kept a close eye on Postbank, demanding full compliance before it can handle grants solo. The card swap is the final hurdle, and officials say it’s on track. “We’re almost there,” a government insider noted, pointing to R500 million invested in new ATMs and card production since 2023.
What It Means for Beneficiaries
For South Africa’s grant recipients—many elderly or living below the poverty line—the black card is a small but real upgrade. Take Maria Mokoena, a 68-year-old from Soweto, who switched in January. “The old card worked, but I worried about thieves. This one feels safer,” she said. With 17 million South Africans on social grants as of 2024, the stakes are high—every delay or hiccup hits hard.
The extension also buys time for education. SASSA’s SMS blasts and radio ads since December 2024 have urged people to act, but some still think the gold cards will stay valid post-deadline. Ntshavheni’s briefing aimed to set the record straight: after 30 April, only black cards will work for grant payments.
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