Another two-month extension for SASSA card migration

Postbank has announced a two-month extension for beneficiaries using the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card to switch to the Postbank black card, allowing them to continue accessing their social grants through April and May.

Government had initially set the deadline for the transition to the new cards to 28 February after which a second extension was set for 20 March 2025.

PICTURE: Postbank

At a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe warned that after 31 May 2025, there will be no alternative methods to access grants. Grants will continue to be paid into bank accounts but can only be accessed using the new Postbank black card.

‘’This is now mainly, of course, to those beneficiaries who have not had the time to go and replace their gold card with the black card. It is quite important as well to note that the usage of the card and how it works remains the same.’’

“There will be no new extensions. Therefore, after these two months, there'll be no alternative. If you don't have your black card, you will not be able to access your grant,” cautioned Mbengashe.

According to Postbank only 1.3 million of the 2.6 million social grant beneficiaries managed to switch from SASSA gold cards to Postbank black cards. 

[MEDIA STATEMENT] SASSA welcomes SARB decision for the continued use of gold card@The_DSD @nda_rsa @GovernmentZA @GCISMedia @Postbank_ZA pic.twitter.com/1oicW9qE0q

— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) March 28, 2025

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, urged beneficiaries not to wait until the last minute.

‘’Those with gold cards have been asked not to go to a Post Office to withdraw their grants. We urge residents not to wait. Please make the change as soon as possible, to avoid added pressure on the system.’’

‘’We also urge Postbank to step up its communication, and this is something we will continuously tell the management as well. Yesterday’s announcement has not been shared widely or effectively, hence people contacting us for clarity,’’ he added.

Londt says his department will next week meet with SASSA and Postbank.

‘’We will once again try to pressure them into stepping up their game. We know there are staff on the ground working extremely hard to help vulnerable residents. But we also know there are a myriad problems that could have been avoided had proper planning gone into this process. We remain committed to assisting however we can, but we are getting frustrated with the flipflopping by national entities that are mandated to serve the most vulnerable. We urge them to do better and step up their game.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George