While discussions between the SARB and Postbank are ongoing, the central bank is expected to announce a revised deadline for the withdrawal of the gold cards.
Postbank has also indefinitely halted the issuance of new black cards at its branches nationwide. A Postbank statement confirmed this, saying:
Whilst discussions are underway between SARB and Postbank, the issuing of the black cards by Postbank at their sites across the country has been suspended indefinitely.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has expressed confidence that grant recipients will continue to receive their payments. The agency reminded beneficiaries of their right to choose any bank for grant disbursements and advised those wishing to switch to seek assistance at their nearest Sassa local office.
Sassa remains hopeful that all beneficiaries will continue to receive their money while also emphasizing the right of the beneficiaries to choose any bank of their choice and if such need arises, they can approach the nearest Sassa local office.
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Social Development has urged beneficiaries unable to obtain a new Postbank black card to consider receiving their grant payments directly into a bank account of their choice.
Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango cautioned that the suspension of the black card rollout would negatively affect social grant recipients. She stressed the importance of ensuring the continued validity of the Sassa gold cards, stating:
"While we understand the complexities that surround this process, it is important to ensure that assurance is given to beneficiaries that there will be no disruptions in their use of the gold card and that they will receive their monies," concluded the chairperson.
