Important SASSA update to help beneficiaries replace Gold Cards

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has shared an important update to help grant beneficiaries switch their Gold Cards.

SASSA will now be assisting Postbank to help grant beneficiaries replace their Gold Cards. Image: SASSA

In a statement shared on 19 February 2025, SASSA explained the new changes that have been put in place to help recipients struggling to do the necessary before the deadline.

With the deadline set for 20 March 2025, beneficiaries need to change their grant payment method within the set time frame. To assist in making this possible, SASSA will be implementing a few changes regarding their services.

SASSA MAKES CHANGES TO HELP GRANT BENEFICIARIES SWITCH PAYMENT METHODS

The agency explained in the statement that it is Postbank’s job to help SASSA grant beneficiaries switch their Gold Cards. However, with reports of individuals finding difficultly in making the required switch, SASSA has stepped in to assist.

The Minster of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, revealed that they will help Postbank. This is to ensure beneficiaries get the assistance needed to meet the deadline.

“During the time of difficulty, it is not in our interest to be pointing fingers, even if we know the truth. It is for us to find solutions to the challenge at hand and rally all our stakeholders towards a sustainable solution.

“We also appeal to committee members to inform us when the members of the public are experiencing difficulties so that we intervene.

“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,” Tolashe expressed.

HOW SASSA WILL BE HELPING GRANT RECIPIENTS?

SASSA said it will try to help its beneficiaries in a few ways. One of them will be to have SASSA employees at the various Postbank Black Card collection sites.

Another way is by extending its grant payment system operating hours. This is to help people change their payment method.

Themba Matlou, SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, explained: “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.

“The Social Grant Payment System’s hours will be extended. To allow for extended time of capturing requests of change of payment methods. Most beneficiaries already approached SASSA for this. The SASSA System will be operational from 6:00 until 19:30 during the week and weekends included until the month of April 2025.”

Matlou assured that backlogs on method of payment changes will be cleared before 21 February. He added that SASSA will have a Community Outreach Programme countrywide to reach beneficiaries in rural areas.