The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Postbank are actively working together to tackle the backlog of approximately 2.4 million beneficiaries who have yet to upgrade their SASSA gold cards.
This collaboration aims to ensure that all affected individuals can receive the necessary upgrades within the given timeline.
Progress in Card Replacement
To date, Postbank has managed to replace 550,000 of the 2.9 million SASSA gold cards. However, the pace has been slower than expected, and both agencies are focusing on accelerating the process to clear the remaining backlog.
Briefing to Parliament
On Tuesday, both agencies provided an update to Parliament regarding the ongoing card replacement project. The agencies outlined the current progress and highlighted the challenges they have encountered along the way.
Extended Deadline for Card Transition
In order to accommodate all grant beneficiaries, the deadline for completing the card transition has been extended to March 20. This move is intended to give more time for the remaining individuals to have their cards upgraded.
Addressing Long Queues and Service Dignity
SASSA’s acting CEO, Themba Matlou, explained that measures have been put in place to manage the long queues that many beneficiaries have faced.
These include working with community leaders to ensure that sufficient community halls and other venues are available to provide dignified services for all beneficiaries.
Collaborative Efforts for Improved Service Delivery
Both SASSA and Postbank have been in constant communication with local community leaders and traditional authorities. The goal is to ensure that accessible, respectful, and efficient services are provided throughout this process.
Card Replacement Status
| Total Cards to be Replaced | Cards Replaced So Far | Remaining Cards | New Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 million | 550,000 | 2.4 million | March 20, 2025 |
The partnership between Postbank and SASSA is crucial for resolving the backlog of card upgrades that affect millions of beneficiaries.
With the extended deadline and the implementation of community-based service points, the two agencies are committed to providing accessible, dignified services to all South African grant recipients.
As efforts continue to ramp up, the goal remains to ensure that all SASSA gold card upgrades are completed by the new deadline of March 20, 2025.
FAQs
What is the deadline for upgrading the SASSA gold card?
The new deadline is March 20, 2025. This extension aims to give enough time for all beneficiaries to complete the process.
How many cards have been replaced so far?
550,000 out of the 2.9 million SASSA gold cards have been successfully replaced.
What measures are in place to address long queues?
SASSA is working with community leaders and using community halls and other facilities to ensure dignified and efficient services for beneficiaries.
