There is still a large number of beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) who still needing to replace their Sassa gold cards. Postbank has decided to extend the deadline for Sassa gold card swaps.
They have also provided details on how Sassa grant payments will be processed for those who have not yet switched to the new black cards.
With it initially being announced that Sassa gold cards will expire on 20 March, it has now been announced that beneficiaries will have until 30 April to swap their gold cards for black cards and that Sassa gold cards are still valid.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said:
The deadline for SASSA beneficiaries to swop their SASSA gold card for the Postbank black card has been extended to 30th April 2025 to allow SASSA and the Department of Social Development to complete the migration of the outstanding beneficiaries.
“The Postbank has met eight of the nine requirements of the South African Reserve Bank for paying social grants, and the last outstanding item being the physical replacement of the cards,” she said.
So far, around 1.3 million of the total 2.6 million Sassa card swaps have been completed. Approximately 30 000 cards are being replaced every day.
As Sassa grant payments will soon commence for April 2025, it has been announced that Sassa gold cards will remain valid and can be used for Sassa grant payment withdrawals for two months, for April and May payments.
Should beneficiaries not have replaced their gold cards after the two months, they will be unable to access their funds. Postbank CEO, Nikki Mbengashe, explained, "the grant will still be paid into your bank account but you can only access those funds by using your new black card".
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) welcomes the decision taken by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to allow for the continued use of the SASSA gold card until all the cards have been successfully replaced.
“This decision has been made in the best interest of all the beneficiaries, to safeguard their dignity, lessen panic whilst ensuring their safety and easy access to their grants,” said Sassa.
Beneficiaries are urged to avoid collecting their grant payments at Post Offices, including those with gold cards.
How To Replace Your Sassa Card
The new Postbank black cards are available at several retailers, including Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer. To obtain a new card, beneficiaries must present a valid South African ID or a temporary ID.
All card replacement sites remain active and continue issuing cards to beneficiaries.
Postbank has also made it convenient for beneficiaries to find the nearest collection points in each province. Here’s how to find your nearest location:
- Dial *120*355#
- Press 1 to proceed
- Select the number corresponding to their province
These new Postbank black cards come with several advantages, such as enhanced security features, one free card replacement per year, three free in-store withdrawals per month, and one free over-the-counter monthly statement.
Sassa’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Themba Matlou, said:
We humbly plea to our beneficiaries to use this opportunity and not wait for the last hour as this will further inconvenience them. From the onset, we listened to the cries of our beneficiaries and understood their frustration. This should not make you to relax, this should make you to wake up tomorrow, with less pressure, and change your card.
Sassa Grant Payment Dates For April
For April 2025, Old Persons Grants will be paid on 2 April, Disability Grants on 3 April and Child Grants on 4 April. Sassa has said that there is no need to rush to withdraw the sassa money on the first day because once the money is paid, it will stay in your bank account.
