Postbank has admitted that it is unlikely to complete the transition from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card before the impending 20 March deadline.
As of the end of February, approximately 1.9 million beneficiaries had yet to switch to the new card. However, Postbank has firmly stated that there are no plans to extend the deadline.
Legislative Briefing Highlights Concerns
On Tuesday, Postbank and SASSA officials presented an update to the Western Cape legislature’s standing committee on social development regarding the progress of the card transition.
Committee chairperson Wendy Kaizer-Philander (DA) expressed concerns over the confusion and long queues experienced by grant beneficiaries. She highlighted that many beneficiaries have been left anxious and uncertain about the process and fear losing access to their grants if they do not transition in time.
She further noted that committee members have been overwhelmed with inquiries from the public, with many beneficiaries seeking guidance and clarity on the matter.
Postbank Acknowledges Challenges in Meeting Deadline
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, acknowledged that despite efforts to accelerate the transition, it is clear that completing the switch by March remains unfeasible.
A major hurdle in the transition is the biometric verification process that beneficiaries must undergo via the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). However, the DHA system frequently experiences downtime, leading to delays.
When the system is operational, the process takes only 3–5 minutes per card, but in cases of technical failures, beneficiaries must endure longer waiting periods.
Concerns Over Service Accessibility
Committee members raised additional concerns about the lack of service points in rural areas, questioning whether Postbank would reconsider extending the deadline.
In response, Eurekha Singh, Postbank’s Chief Operating Officer, confirmed that the deadline remains fixed.
She reassured beneficiaries that after 20 March, they will still be able to access their grants through Post Offices and cardless cash withdrawals at select retailers.
Progress of the Card Transition in the Western Cape
In the Western Cape, 322,919 beneficiaries rely on the SASSA Gold Card. Of these, only 77,932 have successfully switched to the new Black Card, while 244,987 still need to complete the transition.
Current Progress Summary
| Region | Total Beneficiaries | Cards Issued | Cards Pending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationally | 2,851,898 | 880,266 | 1,971,632 |
| Western Cape | 322,919 | 77,932 | 244,987 |
To speed up the process, Postbank in the Western Cape is issuing over 3,500 cards per day. They anticipate that all cards will be distributed by mid-April and plan to increase the number of active sites to 49 within the next three weeks.
Efforts to Improve Distribution and Outreach
To address the slow progress, SASSA’s acting regional manager in the Western Cape, Sibusiso Nhlangothi, announced that the province is extending office hours and organizing 26 outreach days at key locations, including:
- Laingsburg Thusong Centre
- Nelspoort
- Beaufort West
- Prince Albert
- Murraysburg
- Matjiesfontein
- Vleiland
- Leeu-Gamka
Meanwhile, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, met with Postbank executives on 3 March to discuss the transition’s challenges. Londt raised concerns about the shortage of service points and security issues, which have caused staff resignations and slowed the transition further.
He advised beneficiaries to explore alternative payment methods, such as direct deposits into personal bank accounts, to avoid service disruptions.
The transition from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards has proven to be a challenging process, with significant delays, system failures, and accessibility issues. Despite efforts to accelerate the transition, millions of beneficiaries remain unregistered, and the deadline remains fixed for 20 March.
With service sites increasing and outreach efforts expanding, officials are hopeful that more beneficiaries will be assisted in time. However, those still awaiting their cards are urged to consider alternative payment options to prevent disruptions in grant access.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t switch to a Postbank Black Card by 20 March?
Beneficiaries who miss the 20 March deadline can still access their grants via Post Offices and cardless cash withdrawals at select retailers.
How long does it take to switch from the SASSA Gold Card to the Black Card?
When the Department of Home Affairs system is operational, the process takes 3–5 minutes. However, system failures may cause longer waiting times.
Will Postbank extend the deadline for the card switch?
No, Postbank has confirmed that the deadline remains fixed, and all Gold Cards must be phased out by 31 March.
Where can I swap my Gold Card for a Black Card in the Western Cape?
There are currently 27 distribution points in the Western Cape, with plans to expand to 49 locations within three weeks.