The South African Postbank is rolling out new black cards for South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant beneficiaries nationwide. If you receive a Sassa grant, here’s everything you need to know about collecting your new card and ensuring uninterrupted payments.
Where to Collect Your New Sassa Card
Postbank has confirmed designated locations where beneficiaries can collect a Sassa card replacement. With over 18 million permanent grants paid each month, including Older Persons grants, Disability grants, and Child Support grants, the transition is crucial to ensure continued access to funds.
How to Find a Postbank Black Card Collection Point
To locate a card replacement center, follow these simple steps:
- Dial *120*218*3#
- Select Option 1
- Choose your province After completing these steps, a list of collection locations will be displayed.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST OF SASSA CARD REPLACEMENT LOCATIONS
What Happens to the Sassa Gold Card?
Many beneficiaries rely on the Sassa gold card for their grant payments and everyday transactions. While the rollout of new Postbank black cards began in 2024, beneficiaries were initially assured that gold cards would remain valid until all were replaced.
However, Sassa has now confirmed that gold cards will stop working at the end of March 2025, following an extension granted after public concern.
Sassa has assured beneficiaries that grant payments will continue as usual. However, those who have not yet collected their new Postbank black card must visit their nearest Post Office branch to access their funds.
Government’s Support for the Transition
Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe has confirmed that her department is working closely with Postbank to assist Sassa beneficiaries in transitioning to the new black card. Speaking to a joint parliamentary committee, she acknowledged the challenges faced by beneficiaries and emphasized the need for a smooth migration process.
It is our duty to protect our beneficiaries who are badly affected by the process of card replacement, especially the most vulnerable group, older persons and persons with disabilities.
Steps to Speed Up Card Distribution
Sassa Acting CEO, Themba Matlou, has outlined measures to improve the distribution of new cards, including:
- Extended working hours at collection points
- Additional staff at replacement centers
- Community outreach programs, especially for the elderly and disabled
"Two Sassa employees will be assigned per site to assist with managing queues, including providing expedited services for older individuals and those who are frail."
Sassa will be intensifying its Community Outreach programme which will target areas where there are no South African Post Office card replacement sites.
Sassa aims to clear backlogs and ensure that all beneficiaries receive their new cards by 21 February 2025. Minister Tolashe has urged the public and committee members to report any difficulties encountered during the transition process.
