The Postbank has made significant strides in transitioning South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries from the old gold SASSA cards to the bank’s new black cards. The process, which was initially met with delays and concerns, is now gaining momentum, with Postbank issuing nearly one million new cards.
While members of Parliament have pointed out some glitches, such as inconsistencies in the loading of grant payments, they have also praised the bank for its sudden progress in addressing the issue. The improvements come at a crucial time, as the March 2025 deadline for replacing the old gold cards looms.
Parliamentary Committee Briefing on Card Rollout Progress
On Wednesday, the Postbank provided an update to the Social Development Committee on its progress in tackling the card replacement crisis. The committee had previously raised concerns that thousands of grant beneficiaries were still struggling to access their grants due to delays in the issuance of new black cards.
Additionally, Postbank was criticized for not distributing enough cards in time to meet the looming March 20, 2025, deadline for the gold card replacement. The bank, however, has now significantly increased its output and has assured Parliament that it is on track to meet its targets.
Postbank CEO: “We Are Nearing a Million Cards”
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe confirmed that the rollout process has accelerated, with over 300,000 cards issued in just 12 days. She emphasized that the bank is rapidly approaching its goal of issuing one million cards.
“I can tell you today we are sitting with over 900,000 cards that we’ve issued as of Monday. So we’re very close to a million cards, and we are quite confident that by the end of this week or next week, we should be hitting that milestone,” Mbengashe said.
This improvement comes as a relief to many social grant recipients, who depend on their SASSA grants for essential needs such as food, healthcare, and housing.
Parliament Acknowledges the Progress
During the briefing, some committee members expressed satisfaction with the progress being made. Altia Hlongo, a member of the committee, applauded the improvement.
“Their presentation speaks of progress, and we are happy with the progress,” she said.
This positive acknowledgment marks a shift from earlier concerns that Postbank was moving too slowly, potentially leaving vulnerable grant recipients without access to their funds.
March 20 Deadline: What It Means for Beneficiaries
Despite the improvements, the looming March 20, 2025, deadline for the gold card phase-out remains a point of concern for many grant beneficiaries. Postbank has assured the public that while the use of gold SASSA cards will stop on March 20, the bank will continue issuing new black cards even after this deadline.
The bank urges beneficiaries who have not yet received their new black cards to visit their nearest Post Office, Postbank branch, or designated collection point to ensure they are not left without access to their grant money.
Challenges and Concerns Remain
Despite the mass rollout, some glitches have been reported, particularly regarding the loading of grant money onto the new black cards. Some beneficiaries have experienced delays in receiving their payments, sparking concerns about whether Postbank’s system can handle the transition smoothly.
Parliament has urged Postbank to ensure that all grant recipients can easily access their funds without further disruptions. Beneficiaries who experience issues with their black cards are encouraged to report problems immediately to Postbank to avoid delays in receiving their grants.
A Critical Transition for Social Grant Beneficiaries
The shift from the gold SASSA card to the new black card is a crucial step in ensuring a more efficient and secure grant payment system. Postbank’s acceleration in the card distribution process indicates a positive turnaround, and the bank is expected to hit the one-million mark within the next few days.
With millions of South Africans depending on SASSA grants, ensuring a smooth transition remains a priority. Beneficiaries are advised to stay informed, check their card status, and collect their new black SASSA card as soon as possible to prevent any payment disruptions.