Social grant beneficiaries in the Western Cape are said to be struggling to replace their SASSA Gold Cards with the new Postbank Black Cards, raising concerns that many may not receive their payments come March.

This comes after the Social Security Agency appealed to beneficiaries to urgently switch to the black cards by the end of February. This process is, in part, to ensure compliance with the latest software, according to PostBank CEO Nikki Mbengashe. The process began in September last year.

Postbank and SASSA set a deadline of 28 February 2025 for the transition. After this date, the Gold Cards will no longer function, making it impossible for beneficiaries to withdraw cash or make transactions.

“All current SASSA Gold Cards in everyone’s possession will stop working on 28 February 2025, irrespective of the expiry date written on the card. Please go to your nearest Postbank site, which is mainly located at one of the retailers near you that include Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave and Boxer, and get your Postbank Black Card to continue transacting,” said Mbengashe.

READ MORE: Postbank and SASSA on deadline for replacement of SASSA gold cards

Despite reassurances from Postbank and SASSA, concerns have been raised over the process. Many beneficiaries, particularly in rural areas, have reported difficulties in acquiring their new cards. Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, has criticised the transition process, citing a lack of accessible collection sites outside of urban centres.

“The Western Cape Government has received numerous queries and complaints from across the province about the uncertainty of this migration. We have also had reports of chaotic scenes in certain areas like Drakenstein, where grant beneficiaries flocked to Postbank to get their new card, but the office was apparently not operational,” said Londt.

Londt further highlighted that while SASSA advises beneficiaries to visit Postbank sites at major retailers such as Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer, the majority of these locations are concentrated in urban centres, leaving thousands in rural areas without accessible options.

“My office and I have also tried the different contact details provided in the SASSA and Postbank media statement. The Postbank number is not functional as the call was dropped, and the SASSA number redirects one to reach out via WhatsApp. On WhatsApp, there is no option to enquire about the card migration process.”

These concerns have been raised with SASSA in the Western Cape, Londt said , but adds that he will escalate the matter with the National Minister of Social Development and provincial MEC next week.

“These individuals cannot be ignored. SASSA, Postbank, and the National Department of Social Development must find an urgent solution… More service points must be established – and until that happens, the deadline for the expiration of SASSA Gold Cards should be extended.”