Parliament’s Social Development Committee has raised concerns about beneficiaries who have not yet migrated from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards, with the deadline now looming.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Postbank have given grant beneficiaries until Monday, 31 August, to migrate from Gold Cards to Black Cards.

The committee says it is particularly concerned about older persons and people with disabilities who are still experiencing challenges with the migration process.

Committee chairperson Bridget Masango says Postbank and SASSA must provide the committee with a clear plan of action ahead of the deadline.

“The committee needs to know how many people are still using Gold Cards, where they are located, whether there are sufficient replacement sites in those areas and what is being done to assist those who cannot stand in queues or travel long distances.”

Masango says the committee has previously raised concerns about the rollout of the Black Cards, including the difficulties experienced by older persons and people with disabilities.

“It is therefore deeply concerning that beneficiaries may once again find themselves under pressure as another deadline approaches. We call on Postbank, SASSA and the Department of Social Development to urgently provide a clear account of the state of readiness ahead of the deadline on 31 August. In particular, the committee wants assurances that beneficiaries who have been unable to replace their cards despite making reasonable attempts to do so will not be left without access to their grants.”

The committee is also calling for special arrangements for older persons, people with disabilities and beneficiaries living in rural and remote communities who may struggle to reach replacement sites.

Postbank has since confirmed that beneficiaries will not lose their grant funds if they miss Monday’s deadline.

Their accounts will remain active, but beneficiaries will need to obtain a Black Card to access their money.

Postbank says card replacement sites will remain open after 31 August to assist beneficiaries who have missed the deadline.

“The beneficiaries who may not have migrated on time will be required to get a Black Card to access the funds in their accounts. Postbank card replacement sites will remain open post 31 August and assist customers who may have missed the deadline.”