There have been apparent system challenges experienced by Postbank. This has resulted in a number of SASSA beneficiaries being unable to access their January grants. These challenges come a month after Postbank suspended ATM withdrawals for December while it dealt with technical issues.

On 15 December 2022, Department of Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez wrote to the national Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu after receiving numerous complaints of Postbank-issued SASSA gold cards not working. Postbank then suspended ATM withdrawals last month while it dealt with criminals attacking its network.

The MEC has urged Minister Zulu to urgently intervene to find a solution to the problem as vulnerable citizens were suffering because of it. There is still no feedback from the Minister, and problems are once again plaguing SASSA beneficiaries.

This month, beneficiaries are experiencing problems once again but Postbank says it has fixed its system glitches. Fernandez is tired of SASSA’s excuses.

“For citizens dependent on SASSA grants to put food on their tables and keep the lights on – when Eskom allows – any type of delay is unacceptable, especially if it continues to happen month after month, without any word or sign of urgency from national government”

 

There are over 1,6 million SASSA beneficiaries in the Western Cape, and millions more across South Africa.

READ MORE: SASSA services resume in Khayelitsha

Meanwhile, in December SASSA said they were ready to disburse the January 2023 social grants payments from 03 January 2023.

SASSA urged all clients to make use of the multiple ways available to access their funds, including retailers and ATMs.

“Social grant clients with the SASSA gold card can continue using the same card as it remains valid to use at any place that accepts bank card transactions. The card can also be used at outlets nationwide that provide cashback functionality, which includes Shoprite, Checkers, U-save, Pick ‘n Pay, and Boxer”

Beneficiaries were warned to remain vigilant of misleading information, criminals, and scammers as the festive season draws to a close.

MEC Fernandez says she will continue applying pressure on Minister Zulu and will urge her to listen this time because the holidays are over.

“When will the national government take these concerns seriously? It wants to corporatise
Postbank, but month after month we see this entity imploding when it has to disburse
grants, affecting the most vulnerable in our society”