Almost 2 million SASSA beneficiaries switch to Postbank black cards

More than 1.8 million social grant beneficiaries have migrated from South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards to Postbank’s new black cards, with more than 80% of the targeted migrations completed ahead of the August 31 deadline.

Postbank said on Friday that the migration process was progressing smoothly, with no significant challenges reported.

The bank said beneficiaries who had already migrated were experiencing the convenience of the new cards and benefiting from their enhanced features.

It said the accessibility of card replacement sites, particularly those located at retailers where beneficiaries regularly shop, had also been welcomed by beneficiaries, including those in rural areas.

Postbank said the transition had been supported by extensive operational preparations and a public awareness campaign to ensure beneficiaries understood the changes and the importance of migrating within the stipulated period.

Provinces that had initially recorded lower migration numbers, including the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KZN and Gauteng, recorded increased conversion volumes this week, according to the bank.

Postbank said social grant beneficiaries receiving child support grants, who are typically young and mobile mothers, account for up to 90% of beneficiaries who have not yet completed their migration to black cards.

Postbank CCO Thami Cele said the bank’s migration plan remained on track and urged beneficiaries who had not yet migrated to complete the process before the deadline.

“The Postbank’s established card migration plan remains on track and is being implemented as planned. We are encouraged by the latest visible strong response from beneficiaries and the progress we have made,” Cele said.

He said most elderly and disability grant beneficiaries had completed their migrations and urged those who had not yet done so to use the remaining time.

Postbank will extend the operating days of its card replacement sites to include Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00.

However, beneficiaries who miss the August 31 deadline will continue receiving their social grants, with their accounts remaining active after the deadline. The bank will also keep its card replacement sites open after August 31 to assist beneficiaries who still need to migrate.

Beneficiaries can complete the migration at Postbank sites located inside selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar stores.

They can dial 120355# from any cellphone to locate their nearest card migration site.

The migration is free, and beneficiaries only need to present a valid identity document or temporary identity document. No forms are required.

Cards can be collected from any province, regardless of where the beneficiary’s SASSA grant was approved.

The black cards are activated immediately upon issue, meaning beneficiaries do not need to visit a SASSA office.

Postbank said any balance on a beneficiary’s gold card would automatically be reflected and remain accessible.

For more information, beneficiaries can contact Postbank on 0800 5354 55.