Newly appointed Minister of Social Development Dina Pule has assured millions of vulnerable South Africans who rely on social grants that their monthly payments will continue without interruption.

Pule outlined plans to strengthen the department’s systems, tackle substance abuse and intensify efforts to protect children from trafficking and exploitation.

She also reassured beneficiaries that the transition from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) gold card to the Postbank black card will not affect grant payments.

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“I want to assure the people of South Africa, especially Sassa beneficiaries, that they must not worry. They will receive their grants on time. All they need to do is change from the gold card to the black one, but this will never affect their grants,” said Pule.

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She said the Department of Social Development, Sassa, Postbank and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies are working together to resolve operational matters related to the migration process.

According to Pule, grant payments will continue to be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ chosen bank accounts, including Postbank and commercial banks. “Beneficiaries should remain calm. Their grants will continue to be paid into their accounts every month, and they can withdraw their money using their bank cards at participating outlets,” she said.

Pule added that the new payment system will reduce logistical challenges associated with transporting cash to payment points, making the grant payment process more efficient and reliable.

Government is also introducing biometric verification measures to strengthen the integrity of the social grant payment system.