Over a million beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have successfully switched from their old gold Postbank SASSA grant cards to the new black versions.
However, approximately 800,000 individuals still need to complete the transition. This update was provided by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, on Thursday.
Government Assurance for Completion
According to Ntshavheni, both the agency and the Department of Social Development have given their assurance to the Reserve Bank that all remaining beneficiaries will have made the switch by the end of April.
The Minister expressed confidence that the remaining beneficiaries would be able to complete the process within the given timeframe.
“They’ve assured us that this period will be enough for the completion of the migration process. By the end of April, we should have everyone switched over,” Ntshavheni stated.
Postbank and SASSA’s Efforts to Expedite the Migration
Currently, SASSA operates over 329 locations where beneficiaries can update their cards, and plans are in place to expand this number even further next month.
Nikki Mbengashe, the CEO of Postbank, highlighted the significant progress made in the last month and a half, noting that over 450,000 beneficiaries had successfully switched their cards within February alone.
“Over 50% of the goal has been achieved in the last month and a half. February alone accounted for 40% of this achievement,” said Mbengashe. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the system and the efforts being made to ensure a smooth transition.
Important Dates for Grant Collection
As millions of beneficiaries prepare to collect their monthly grants, certain dates have been set for different groups:
| Grant Type | Collection Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Wednesday, 2 April |
| Disability Grant | Thursday, 3 April |
| Children’s Grants | Friday, 4 April |
However, beneficiaries still using the old gold card must visit a SASSA office to collect their payments. To receive the grant, they will need to present an ID book or card at the counter.
SASSA handles approximately 19 million social grants, with 15% of recipients receiving payments through Postbank.
Cardholders Can Be Assured of Their Funds’ Safety
Despite the gold card no longer being usable for transactions like collecting grants or purchasing groceries, the funds on the card are still fully protected. Postbank’s CEO, Mbengashe, reassured beneficiaries:
“No one will be able to access your money except you,” Mbengashe stated, emphasizing that the funds are secure, even if the card is not currently usable.
Home Visits for Bedridden Beneficiaries
For beneficiaries who are unable to visit the card update locations due to physical limitations, Postbank and SASSA have rolled out a home visit service. This service aims to support those who are bedridden and unable to visit transition sites.
To request a home visit, beneficiaries must contact the SASSA call center or Postbank call center. When registering for this service, beneficiaries are encouraged to provide supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate, a social worker certificate, or a clinic letter confirming their bedridden status.
The transition from the old gold Postbank SASSA grant cards to the new black cards is well underway, with significant progress made in recent weeks. While most beneficiaries have already completed the switch, efforts are in place to ensure that the remaining 800,000 individuals finish the process by April.
With the assurance from SASSA and Postbank, beneficiaries can rest easy knowing their funds are secure and that additional support, including home visits for those unable to visit transition sites, is available. Beneficiaries should also be aware of the upcoming grant collection dates to ensure a smooth process moving forward.
FAQs
How many beneficiaries have completed the card switch?
Over one million beneficiaries have successfully transitioned to the new black cards, while approximately 800,000 individuals still need to make the switch.
By when should all beneficiaries have completed the switch?
All remaining beneficiaries are expected to have switched to the new cards by the end of April.
What should beneficiaries with the old gold card do?
Beneficiaries still holding the gold card must visit a SASSA office to collect their payments and present their ID for verification.
Can I still access my funds if I haven’t switched to the new card?
Yes, your funds are safe, even if you cannot use the old gold card for transactions. Only you will be able to access the money.