Newly appointed minister of social development Dina Pule has reassured millions of South Africans who rely on social grants that payments will continue without interruption.
Speaking to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday (14/7), Pule said beneficiaries should not be concerned about the transition from the SASSA gold card to the Postbank black card.
“I want to assure beneficiaries that they will receive their grants on time. They only need to change from the gold card to the black card, and this will not affect their grants,” she said.
Pule said the department of social development, SASSA, Postbank and the department of communications and digital technologies are working together to manage the migration process. Grant payments will continue to be deposited into beneficiaries’ chosen bank accounts, including Postbank and commercial banks.
She added that the new payment system will improve efficiency by reducing challenges associated with cash distribution and that biometric verification measures are being introduced to strengthen security.
Outlining her priorities for her first 100 days in office, Pule said she would focus on implementing the department’s strategic plan, strengthening internal systems and ensuring suitable appointments to key positions.
The department administers an annual budget of about R300 billion and provides social assistance to around 28 million South Africans.
“Our responsibility is to improve the lives of vulnerable South Africans and provide them with the support they require,” she said.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
