Postbank has acknowledged that transitioning beneficiaries from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card before the 20 March deadline is unlikely.
As of the end of February, 1.9 million beneficiaries still needed to switch. Despite these challenges, Postbank has firmly stated that there will be no extension of the deadline.
Briefing on Progress and Challenges
On Tuesday, representatives from Postbank and Sassa addressed the Western Cape legislature’s standing committee on social development regarding the card replacement process.
Concerns Over Long Queues and Confusion
Committee chair Wendy Kaizer-Philander (DA) emphasized the distress many grant recipients face.
“Over the past months, the committee has observed the desperation and uncertainty of Sassa beneficiaries standing in long queues without clarity, trying to meet the migration deadline from the Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card.”
She noted that committee members have been overwhelmed with calls from concerned beneficiaries who fear losing access to their grants if they fail to switch in time.
Postbank’s Card Issuance Challenges
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele admitted that despite best efforts, distributing all Black Cards before the deadline is not feasible.
“We aim to distribute all Black Cards by the end of March, but realistically, that goal is impossible. We are making every effort,” he stated.
Biometric Verification and System Delays
Beneficiaries must complete a biometric verification process with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) when collecting their new cards. However, recurring DHA system failures have caused delays.
- When the system is functional, the process takes only 3 to 5 minutes.
- When the system is down, beneficiaries must wait for longer periods.
No Deadline Extension Despite Concerns
Committee members raised concerns about the lack of service points in rural areas and requested an extension of the deadline.
Postbank’s Chief Operating Officer, Eurekha Singh, confirmed that no deadline extension is planned.
“The replacement process must be completed by 31 March. The 20 March deadline is in place so that we can provide evidence to the Reserve Bank that the Gold Cards are phased out by the end of March.”
She assured beneficiaries that even after 20 March, they could still access grants through Post Offices and cardless cash withdrawals at participating retailers.
Progress on Card Distribution in Western Cape
Ruwaan Deokaran, overseeing the card replacement process in the Western Cape, provided the latest statistics:
| Category | National Figures | Western Cape Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Black Cards Issued | 880,266 | 77,932 |
| Beneficiaries Pending | 1,971,632 | 244,987 |
| Total Gold Card Users | – | 322,919 |
| Cards Issued Per Day | – | 3,500+ |
To accelerate the process, Postbank plans to increase the number of distribution sites from 27 to 49 within three weeks. They expect to complete the Western Cape transition by mid-April.
Sassa’s Efforts to Assist Beneficiaries
Sassa’s Western Cape acting regional manager, Sibusiso Nhlangothi, confirmed that the province is prioritizing the card switch by extending office hours and scheduling 26 outreach programs in the following locations:
- Laingsburg Thusong Centre
- Nelspoort
- Beaufort West
- Prince Albert
- Murraysburg
- Matjiesfontein
- Vleiland
- Leeu-Gamka
Security and Staffing Issues Affecting the Process
Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, met with Postbank management on 3 March to discuss the challenges affecting the transition. He highlighted two key issues:
- Insufficient service points in certain regions.
- Staff resignations due to security threats, which have further delayed the process.
Londt criticized the lack of collaboration between Sassa, Postbank, and other stakeholders, arguing that better coordination could have prevented many of these setbacks.
Alternative Payment Options
Given the delays, Londt urged beneficiaries to consider alternative payment methods, such as direct deposits into personal bank accounts, to ensure continued access to grants without waiting in long queues.
Postbank is struggling to meet the 20 March deadline for the Sassa Gold Card transition due to system delays, service shortages, and security concerns. Despite no plans for an extension, alternative options such as cardless withdrawals and direct deposits remain available.
With increased service points and extended office hours, the transition process is expected to gain momentum. Beneficiaries should act swiftly to avoid last-minute challenges.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t get my Postbank Black Card by 20 March?
Even after 20 March, beneficiaries can still withdraw their grants at Post Offices and use cardless cash withdrawals at participating retailers.
Why is biometric verification necessary for the card swap?
The biometric verification process, conducted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), ensures that grants are distributed securely to the rightful recipients.
How long does it take to swap my Sassa Gold Card?
If the DHA system is operational, the process takes 3 to 5 minutes. However, when the system experiences downtime, delays may occur.
Will Postbank open more service sites to facilitate the transition?
Yes, Postbank plans to increase distribution sites in the Western Cape from 27 to 49 within three weeks to expedite the process.
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What too do when beneficiary is 84 and can’t stand in long queue at sassa