Cape Town: The deadline for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries to exchange their SASSA Gold Cards for the new Postbank Black Cards has been extended from February 28 to March 20, 2025.
The extension was announced on Friday in a joint statement by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi and Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe, who acknowledged beneficiaries’ concerns and frustrations.
Why the Extension?
“We have listened to the deep concerns and frustrations from our social grant beneficiaries and we trust that this extension will provide much-needed time for grant recipients,” the Ministers stated.
They urged beneficiaries to make the swop as soon as possible, well ahead of the new deadline, to avoid disruptions.
Grant Payments Unaffected
The Ministers reassured beneficiaries that grant payments will continue as usual, even after the March 20 deadline. However, if beneficiaries haven’t exchanged their cards by then, they must visit their nearest Post Office branch to access their funds.
Increased Support and Accessibility
To ensure a smooth transition, the Communications and Digital Technologies and Social Development departments are:
- Increasing human capacity to assist with card exchanges.
- Collaborating with retailers to expand the number of swop sites nationwide.
- Deploying mobile offices to rural areas for increased accessibility.
Ongoing Card Application
The March 20 deadline marks the date when the SASSA Gold Cards will stop functioning, not the last day to apply for the new Postbank Black Card. Beneficiaries will still be able to apply for and receive the new card after this date.
Public Awareness and Updates
The departments are working closely with community leaders and local authorities to provide accurate information and assistance. Regular public updates will be shared to keep beneficiaries informed about the process.
This extension aims to ensure a seamless transition for millions of SASSA beneficiaries nationwide.