WATCH: Long queues for SASSA card renewals worry beneficiaries at Alberton City
The long queues for SASSA card renewals at the Alberton City Shopping Centre have caused concern among beneficiaries.
Long queues have become a common sight outside the SASSA card renewal centre at the Alberton City Shopping Centre, with many frustrated beneficiaries waiting for hours to renew their cards before the February 28 deadline.
The renewal process that began last year has drawn large crowds in recent weeks as more people rush to transition from the old gold card to the new Postbank black card.
Speaking to Postbank personnel, a member confirmed there had been no issues with the system since the process began.
“The system has been running smoothly since day one, and we’re doing everything we can to assist beneficiaries as efficiently as possible,” the employee said.
However, many beneficiaries have voiced concerns about the waiting times and the process.
One pensioner who spoke to the Alberton Record said she had been queueing since the morning without getting any help.
@albertonrecord Long queues have become a common sight outside the SASSA card renewal centre at the Alberton City Shopping Centre, with many frustrated beneficiaries waiting for hours to renew their cards before the February 28 deadline.
“I’ve been here all day, and no one has attended to me yet,” she said, visibly frustrated.
When asked why she came to renew her card now despite the system being open since last year, she explained that she is older than 70 and typically relies on her grandchildren to collect her grant. However, she needed to come in person this time because of the fingerprint verification requirement.
“I can’t send my grandchildren today because my fingerprints are required. It’s hard for me to stand in this long queue, but it’s something I have to do,” she said.
The marketing manager of the shopping centre, Lenita Cunha, confirmed that the process had been set up last October to help individuals transition to the new cards.
“We’ve been helping people for months, but many are only coming now as the deadline approaches. During weekdays, the centre is very busy, with many people coming in for the renewal, but the weekends are usually quieter,” Lenita said.
Cunha said immediate attention goes to individuals facing additional challenges, such as the elderly, pregnant women or people with disabilities.
“We prioritise people who have difficulties because of age or physical condition to ensure they’re not waiting too long,” the manager explained.
As the deadline approaches, authorities call on SASSA beneficiaries to act quickly to avoid further delays and remember that they are assisted with the best intentions in mind.
