The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has welcomed the two-month extension granted by Postbank and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), allowing beneficiaries to continue using their gold cards while transitioning to the new Postbank black cards.
However, the committee has urged beneficiaries to swap their gold cards for black cards before the end of May 2025, emphasising that this extension is final. After this period, there will be no alternative means to access grants without the new black card.
Postbank has also advised beneficiaries still holding gold cards not to use the Post Office to withdraw their grants. Additionally, the committee has reminded beneficiaries that cardless services have been discontinued, and no new registrations for this option are being processed.
The chairperson of the committee, Bridget Masango, has appealed to all beneficiaries who have not yet made the switch to do so within the given timeframe.
“The committee is with you in this journey of changing to the new black cards. Please get your black cards within this extended period to avoid the unbearable consequences of not accessing your grant without one,” urged Masango.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to act swiftly to ensure uninterrupted access to their social grants.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
