Postbank has confirmed that Sassa gold cards will stop working, affecting over one million social grant beneficiaries. The cards will no longer function from Thursday, 20 March 2025, preventing users from making transactions or withdrawing funds at ATMs.
Attempting to use an expired gold card at an ATM may result in the card being swallowed.
Postbank Rolls Out Black Cards
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe announced that more than one million Postbank black cards have been issued to grant recipients, less than half of the approximately three million beneficiaries. The rollout continues at over 320 sites nationwide to ensure a smooth transition.
Beneficiaries can still collect their grants at Post Office branches by presenting identification and their PIN. Those who are bedridden can register for a home visit at a Sassa office or via the Sassa and Postbank call centres.
They must provide a medical certificate, social worker certificate, or clinic letter, along with their ID and cellphone number. This allows beneficiaries to nominate a proxy to collect their grants.
Criticism Over Rollout Delays
Postbank has faced criticism from Parliament, which has labelled the process inefficient. Initially, beneficiaries were assured that Sassa gold cards would remain valid until all recipients had received new black cards. However, in early 2025, Postbank announced the gold cards would stop working by the end of February, prompting an extension following public outcry.
Mbengashe assured beneficiaries that no one would be left without their grants due to the card transition.
No one will be left without their grant because of their [expired] gold card.
Sassa Grant beneficiaries can also collect their Sassa social grants at several payment points. These payment points include ATMs and retail stores such as Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite and Boxer stores.
