Johannesburg: Over one million social grant beneficiaries have successfully transitioned from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards to the new Postbank black cards, as announced by Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe during a joint media briefing with SASSA.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Postbank CEO shared, “Postbank is encouraged to announce that we have achieved a significant milestone in our replacement of SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards. As of 10 March 2025, we successfully swapped over 1 million social grant beneficiaries from the SASSA gold card to the new improved and more compliant Postbank black cards.” The two entities extended their gratitude to the beneficiaries who participated in the card replacement initiative and encouraged those who have not yet replaced their cards to do so.
Beneficiaries need to present a form of identification, such as an RSA green barcoded ID, smart card ID, or temporary ID, to complete the swap, which is offered at no cost. The CEO emphasized the importance of the transition, noting that existing SASSA gold cards will cease to function on 20 March 2025. Postbank aims to ensure a smooth transition for all beneficiaries to the new black cards.
The deadline for the SASSA gold cards means that beneficiaries will not be able to use them for transactions in stores or at ATMs after 20 March 2025. Any attempts to use the expired cards will result in transaction declines, and the cards may be retained by ATMs. However, the funds in these accounts will remain secure and accessible through alternative means such as the Post Office withdrawal process, retailers’ cardless payment options, or the new Postbank black cards.
Mbengashe clarified that the 20 March 2025 deadline is not the end of the card replacement initiative. Postbank will continue issuing new black cards even after this date to ensure all beneficiaries receive their new cards before the next grant payment cycle from 3 to 5 April 2025. The CEO reassured beneficiaries that social grant payments would not be disrupted and encouraged them to replace their cards promptly to avoid inconvenience.
For beneficiaries who have not yet obtained a black card, Postbank and SASSA have arranged for continued access to grants through 543 Post Office branches nationwide. Beneficiaries will need their ID to make withdrawals at these locations. This interim measure will ensure uninterrupted access to funds while beneficiaries transition to the new system.
Beneficiaries are urged to utilize this period to obtain their Postbank black cards, as Post Office branch payments are temporary. Postbank and SASSA are committed to ensuring no interruptions in social grant payments, and the card replacement initiative will continue beyond 20 March 2025, with additional replacement sites being established as needed.