The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has expressed its approval following the recent decision by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to allow the ongoing use of the SASSA gold card. This authorisation will remain in effect until 31 May 2025. The agency views this move as a positive step toward protecting the interests of millions of social grant recipients during the transition period.
Key Takeaways
- Gold Card Extension Approved: The South African Reserve Bank has authorised the continued use of SASSA gold cards until 31 May 2025, allowing more time for the card replacement process.
- Early Action Strongly Encouraged: SASSA is advising beneficiaries not to delay swapping their gold cards for Postbank black cards, warning of possible delays and disruptions if left too late.
- Support for Rural and Underserviced Areas: Government and Postbank are deploying outreach initiatives to assist communities with limited access to information and banking services.
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Coordination Between SASSA and Postbank on Payment Alternatives
The SARB’s decision follows a series of discussions between SASSA and Postbank, during which both parties reviewed several critical issues, including alternative mechanisms for distributing social grants. One of the key topics was how to support beneficiaries who have not yet migrated from the older gold cards to the newer Postbank black cards. These engagements were aimed at ensuring that no beneficiary would be left without access to their grant payments during the card replacement process. Officials have also been reviewing contingency plans in case of future system disruptions, with a focus on improving digital infrastructure and reducing reliance on manual processes.
According to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of SASSA, Mr Themba Matlou, the Reserve Bank’s decision was taken with the well-being of beneficiaries in mind. The goal is to protect the dignity of grant recipients, reduce unnecessary panic, and ensure that individuals continue to access their grants safely and conveniently. SASSA believes that this extension will provide a buffer period that allows for an orderly transition to the new card system. The decision also aims to prevent long queues at post offices and pay points, particularly in rural and underserviced areas, where alternative banking services are limited.
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Encouragement to Begin Card Replacement Without Delay
While the extension offers beneficiaries more time, SASSA has urged all gold card holders not to delay the replacement of their cards. The agency encourages individuals to use this additional time wisely and not to postpone the process until the final deadline approaches. SASSA is concerned that waiting until the last minute may lead to longer queues and potential disruptions, and is advising beneficiaries to act sooner to avoid such inconvenience.
Beneficiaries are being reminded that the replacement process is free of charge and that Postbank staff are being deployed to assist with community outreach in areas with low card swap rates.
Extended Deadline Provides Breathing Room for Migration
During a recent media briefing, the Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed that the deadline for switching from SASSA gold cards to the new Postbank cards has now been extended to 31 May 2025. This decision followed a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the week. The extended timeframe is expected to assist both SASSA and the Department of Social Development in completing the card migration process and ensuring that all beneficiaries are moved to the updated system without interruption. Government departments are also collaborating with traditional leaders and civil society organisations to raise awareness, especially in remote provinces such as Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where access to information and services remains a challenge.
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Chaos in the Cards: A Timeline of Delays and Deadlines
- November 2024: Postbank announces that Gold Cards, previously scheduled to expire on 31 December, will remain operational for the time being. However, customers are informed that a compulsory transition to newly introduced Black Cards—featuring upgraded security aligned with revised banking regulations—will be required in due course.
- November 2024 – January 2025: Postbank begins distributing between 2,300 and 3,500 of the new Black Cards daily.
- 7 February 2025: The bank sets an official cut-off date of 28 February for all users to complete the switchover, significantly raising its daily distribution goal to 10,400 cards.
- 14 February 2025: Postbank revises the deadline, granting an extension until 20 March. Clients still using Gold Cards are warned that their cards will cease to function beyond this revised date.
- 18 February 2025: Postbank is summoned to Parliament to respond to mounting criticism regarding the sluggish rollout. In an effort to accelerate progress, the institution reveals a collaboration with the Spar Group, aiming to establish 200 supplementary service points and to train till staff in order to mitigate long queues.
- 18 March 2025: Postbank announces that 1.1 million individuals have successfully transitioned to the Black Card, with current issuance surpassing 30,000 cards per day.
- 20 March 2025: The revised deadline passes. Despite efforts, only half—1.3 million out of 2.6 million—of Postbank’s social grant clients have made the switch. It is believed that tens of thousands have opted to leave Postbank in favour of commercial banks.
- 28 March 2025: Another extension is announced, pushing the final deadline to 31 May. Postbank confirms that Gold Cards will continue to be accepted until that date.
Conclusion
The extension for the use of SASSA gold cards offers critical relief for millions of grant recipients, ensuring they continue receiving their payments without disruption during the card migration period. While this provides breathing space, SASSA is actively encouraging early action to avoid logistical bottlenecks closer to the deadline. With coordinated support from Postbank and other government entities, the focus remains on a smooth, secure, and dignified transition for all beneficiaries—especially those in underserved communities.
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