By Johnathan Paoli
Postbank has announced a two-month extension for the use of SASSA gold cards, allowing beneficiaries to access their social grants through April and May.
This decision, made in consultation with regulators, is intended to provide additional time for grant recipients to transition to the new Postbank black cards before the gold cards are permanently decommissioned at the end of May.
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe confirmed the extension during a media briefing on Friday, emphasising that the period was meant to assist those who have not yet replaced their gold cards.
“We are pleased to announce that beneficiaries can continue using their SASSA gold cards for two more months. However, we strongly urge them to take advantage of this time and switch to the black card as soon as possible,” Mbengashe said.
She said the decision to extend the gold card’s validity period followed concerns from stakeholders about the ability of some grant beneficiaries to replace their cards in time.
The regulatory landscape and commitment from all parties to ensure uninterrupted access to grants played a key role in the extension.
“The question has always been what happens to those who haven’t replaced their gold card? We have made a commitment to ensure that no beneficiary is left without access to their funds,” Mbengashe said.
While gold cards will remain functional until the end of May, beneficiaries must be aware that after this period only the black card will be accepted for grant payments.
Beneficiaries who fail to switch will not be able to access their funds, even though their grants will still be paid into their accounts.
Postbank urged beneficiaries not to delay the switch until the last minute.
“The replacement process remains simple, and we have over 350 sites across the country to assist with card replacements. Beneficiaries only need their ID document, a temporary ID or a driver’s licence to obtain their new black card,” Mbengashe explained.
The CEO said the extension ensured that SASSA gold cards would continue to function as they did now, including withdrawals at ATMs, retail stores and swiping for purchases.
However, beneficiaries were strongly advised not to visit Post Office branches to withdraw funds using their gold cards, as they would not be serviced.
Post Office branch cash withdrawal services will only be available for Mzansi Flexi card customers, asylum seekers and beneficiaries with lost or stolen cards.
Mbengashe said Postbank was processing over 30,000 black cards per day and has expanded the number of card replacement sites nationwide, particularly in priority provinces such as the Western Cape.
Mobile outreach teams will continue issuing black cards to beneficiaries in remote areas.
“We understand that this transition has been challenging for some, but we want to assure everyone that Postbank will continue issuing black cards until all beneficiaries are covered,” Mbengashe said.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to act immediately and avoid last-minute complications.
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