Social grant beneficiaries who are still using SASSA Gold Cards are urged to switch to the new Postbank Black Cards before the 31 August deadline to avoid disruptions to their grant payments. In a media statement issued on 23 July, Postbank warned that SASSA Gold Cards are being phased out and will soon stop working.
Postbank said beneficiaries who delay replacing their cards risk experiencing interruptions in accessing their social grants once the deadline passes.
“We appeal to social grant beneficiaries who have not yet migrated from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards to do so without further delay, as the opportunity to switch is rapidly drawing to a close,” said Postbank spokesperson, Bongani Diako.
He added that beneficiaries should avoid waiting until August payment dates or the final days of the migration period, as queues at replacement sites are expected to increase significantly.
“The migration to Postbank Black Cards is essential to ensuring uninterrupted access to payments for the affected social grant beneficiaries. Postbank urges beneficiaries to obtain their Postbank Black Card immediately because early migration is the most effective way of safeguarding uninterrupted access to their social grant payments.” Diako said.
Postbank Chief Commercial Officer Thamsanqa Cele said: “We are already noticing a steady increase in queues at several of our card replacement sites and, based on current trends, we anticipate that queues will become considerably longer in August, which is the final month before the deadline. Beneficiaries who postpone their visit until then may experience substantial delays due to the expected increase in demand.”
Diako added that beneficiaries can collect their new Black Cards free of charge at selected Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar stores nationwide. Replacement sites operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and beneficiaries can dial *120*355# on their mobile phones to locate their nearest collection point. A valid South African ID or temporary ID is required to replace the card.
Postbank also encouraged beneficiaries to contact the institution directly for card-related or payment enquiries instead of visiting SASSA offices unnecessarily. He said Postbank staff are equipped to assist with payment issues, PIN enquiries, lost or stolen cards, replacement cards and declined transactions.
Beneficiaries requiring further information or assistance can contact the Postbank call centre on 0800 53 54 55.
