South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant recipients are under a tight deadline to upgrade their gold cards to the new Postbank black cards by March 20, 2025. This transition is crucial for continued access to Sassa grant payments.
Postbank’s Commitment to Assist
In a recent meeting with the Western Cape legislature’s social development oversight committee, Khusela Sangoni Diko, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies, stated that Postbank had committed to assisting all beneficiaries in swapping their gold cards.
The process will continue “until the last person has been assisted,” but the deadline still stands.
The Status of Sassa Grant Payments for Gold Cardholders in April and May
With just a few days left to meet the deadline, many beneficiaries are concerned about how they will access their Sassa grants in April and May.
Bongani Dikeo, Postbank’s head of communications, confirmed that nearly a million grant recipients had already migrated to the new Mzansi debit cards as of March 3. He expressed gratitude for the swift response to the migration process.
What Happens After the March 20 Deadline?
Postbank has clarified that while March 20 marks the cutoff for the gold cards, it is not the final day to apply for a black card.
Beneficiaries who have missed the deadline will still be able to receive their Sassa payments in April and May through several alternative methods.
After March 20, those who have not upgraded will still be able to collect their grants in person at South African Post Offices or withdraw cash from participating retailers until they get their new Postbank black cards.
Continued Migration Efforts: What to Expect
Postbank has set up replacement sites where beneficiaries can continue the card replacement process.
The migration will continue through April, with additional replacement sites being added to meet the demand. This ensures that no one misses out on their grant payments.
Accessing Grants After March 20
Even after March 20, beneficiaries who have not upgraded will have various options to access their grants:
- Post Office: Recipients can use an ID to claim payments at any of the 543 Post Office branches nationwide.
- Retailers: Grants will be available via cardless payment systems at stores like Shoprite, Usave, Boxer, Spar, Pick n Pay, and Checkers.
Postbank will continue to issue Postbank black cards at grant collection points, particularly at major retailers. This ensures that all beneficiaries are eventually migrated to the new system.
How to Obtain Your New Postbank Black Card
Grant recipients can easily apply for the Postbank black card through the following methods:
- Dial *120*218*3# on your phone.
- Select Option 1 and choose your province.
- A list of locations offering the new Postbank black cards will be provided.
The Retail Method for Card Swapping
Grant beneficiaries can also replace their gold cards at retailers like Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, and Boxer stores across the country. Additionally, Pick n Pay outlets in Gauteng will also support card replacements.
Required Documents
To swap your gold card, ensure you bring the following documents:
- Valid ID or a temporary ID.
- If you are collecting for someone else, bring the Sassa proxy letter.
- Asylum seekers must present their official Sassa approval letter.
The card replacement process is free of charge, and upgrading to the Postbank black card will not affect your Sassa grant payments.
Foreign Nationals and Card Eligibility
Foreign nationals are not currently eligible for the Postbank black cards. However, they can still access their grant payments at any Post Office using their existing documentation.
To ensure smooth processing, foreign nationals must bring their current valid documents after the gold cards become inactive.
For more details, Postbank can be contacted at 0800 53 54 55 or via email at [email protected].
FAQs
What is the deadline for upgrading to the Postbank black card?
The deadline for upgrading to the Postbank black card is March 20, 2025.
Can I still receive my grant after the March 20 deadline?
Yes, you can still collect your grants from the Post Office or participating retailers even if you haven’t received the Postbank black card by the deadline.
How do I replace my Sassa gold card?
You can replace your gold card by visiting a Postbank replacement site, or through the Postbank mobile teams. You can also dial *120*218*3# to find locations issuing new cards.
Will I be charged for replacing my card?
No, the process of replacing your gold card with the Postbank black card is free of charge.