Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency, has issued an important warning to all social grant recipients regarding their old SASSA gold cards.
These cards will no longer be operational after 20 March 2025, and beneficiaries must exchange them before this date to continue accessing their grants.
Extension of Deadline for Card Replacement
In a post-cabinet briefing held on Thursday, Ntshavheni announced that the deadline for swapping the old SASSA gold card for the new Postbank black card has been extended from 28 February to 20 March 2025.
This extension aims to give beneficiaries more time to make the necessary switch and avoid disruptions in their social grant payments.
Beneficiary Transition to the New Postbank Black Card
According to Ntshavheni, over 716,900 beneficiaries have already successfully transitioned to the new Postbank black cards.
To ensure that all beneficiaries can easily exchange their cards, additional card distribution sites have been set up across the country, aiming to reduce long queues and provide a more convenient experience for everyone.
Increased Access Points for Beneficiaries
In an effort to improve access for all beneficiaries, especially in remote areas, mobile offices will be deployed to assist individuals in rural locations.
Furthermore, Postbank has partnered with the Spar group, which will designate 200 of its stores nationwide as service sites where beneficiaries can go to exchange their cards.
What Happens if You Miss the 20 March Deadline?
Cabinet reminds all beneficiaries that the old SASSA gold card will no longer work after 20 March 2025. Beneficiaries who have not swapped their cards by then will need to visit their nearest post office branch to access their funds.
Table of Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Deadline to exchange SASSA gold card | 20 March 2025 |
| Extended deadline for card replacement | 20 March 2025 |
| Number of beneficiaries transitioned | 716,900 |
| Number of Spar stores as service sites | 200 |
The transition to the new Postbank black card is crucial for all SASSA grant beneficiaries, and the extended deadline provides ample time for everyone to make the necessary changes.
It is important to note that after 20 March 2025, the old SASSA gold card will no longer be valid, so make sure to exchange your card before the cutoff to avoid any disruptions in receiving your grants.
With increased access points, mobile offices, and partnerships with Spar, the process has been made as convenient as possible for all beneficiaries.
FAQs
What is the new deadline for swapping my old SASSA gold card?
The new deadline is 20 March 2025.
What will happen if I don’t exchange my SASSA gold card by the deadline?
If you do not exchange your card by 20 March 2025, you will need to visit your nearest post office to access your funds.
How can I exchange my old SASSA card for the new Postbank black card?
You can exchange your old card at one of the Postbank distribution sites or at any of the 200 Spar stores designated as service sites across the country.