Johannesburg: Social grant beneficiaries in South Africa are facing a critical deadline with only one day left to replace their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards with the new Postbank black cards. After tomorrow, 20 March 2025, the gold cards will be deactivated, potentially disrupting beneficiaries’ ability to make transactions if they have not transitioned to the new card system.
According to South African Government News Agency, Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe explained in a media briefing that after the deadline, beneficiaries will not be able to use SASSA gold cards for purchases or cash withdrawals inside stores. Retailers will decline any transaction attempts, and the cards may even be swallowed by ATMs if inserted. Despite the deadline, Postbank will continue replacing SASSA gold cards after 20 March 2025 at its designated card replacement sites.
Mbengashe stressed that while the deadline is crucial, it is not a cut-off point for replacing the cards. Beneficiaries are encouraged to switch to the Postbank black cards as soon as possible, especially with the next grant payments scheduled for 3 to 5 April 2025. The agency assures that social grant payments will not be interrupted, and those without the new cards can withdraw their grants at the nearest Post Office branch using their ID.
There are 543 Post Office branches nationwide prepared to assist beneficiaries who still need to replace their cards. The branch payments are specifically for those yet to transition to the new cards, asylum seekers, and holders of Postbank green Mzansi or blue cards. Beneficiaries with Postbank black cards should continue using ATMs and retailers for transactions.
The initial deadline for transitioning was set for 28 February 2025 but was extended to 20 March 2025 to give beneficiaries more time. So far, over one million beneficiaries have successfully switched to the Postbank black cards, which offer enhanced security features, a free annual card replacement, three free store withdrawals monthly, and a complimentary monthly statement over the counter.
Beneficiaries can obtain the new cards at major retailers like Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer by presenting a valid South African ID. Postbank has facilitated the card collection process by allowing beneficiaries to locate the nearest distribution point via their cellphones.
The transition to the new Postbank black cards is designed to improve security and offer additional benefits to social grant beneficiaries, and those who haven’t made the switch are urged to do so promptly to avoid inconvenience.