The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed that the validity of Sassa gold cards has been extended indefinitely. This means beneficiaries can continue using their gold cards until further notice.
Worry not because your Gold Card will continue to transact until further notice,
Previously, Sassa planned to phase out gold cards and replace them with new Postbank black cards. However, the rollout of black cards has been suspended, and all related sites are now closed.
Please note that the issuing of black cards is temporarily placed on hold and card replacement sites are no longer operational.
Gold card users have faced months of uncertainty. Initially, the cards were valid until all beneficiaries were upgraded to black cards. This was later revised, with expiry deadlines set for February, then March 2025, and finally May 2025.
Postbank struggled to meet these deadlines. Around 3 million beneficiaries still needed to be upgraded, and the rollout faced criticism over inefficiency.
In April 2025, the black card rollout was suspended. The South African Reserve Bank instructed Postbank to ensure the continued functionality of gold cards.
Sassa has assured beneficiaries that all grants will continue to be paid. A new expiry date for the gold cards will be announced in due course.
The indefinite extension brings much-needed relief to millions who were unable to upgrade.
