Over 716 900 South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) beneficiaries have transitioned to the Postbank Black Cards from the previous Sassa Gold Cards, Cabinet said on Thursday.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said card distribution sites have been increased nationwide to assist beneficiaries before the March 20 deadline.

“More than 716 900 beneficiaries have transitioned to the Postbank black cards, and card distribution sites have been increased around the country to mitigate the queues so that every beneficiary receives the new card near where they live.

“Postbank has also increased the number of tellers in the card replacement sites from two tellers to up to five, depending on the business of the site,” the Minister said at a post-Cabinet briefing in Cape Town.

Cabinet also encouraged beneficiaries to visit their nearest Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, or Boxer stores to collect their new Postbank Black Card.

Steps to take

A valid South African identity document (ID) or temporary ID is required. Mobile offices will also be available in rural areas to assist beneficiaries.

Additionally, Postbank has partnered with the Spar Group, which will designate 200 of its stores as service sites nationwide.

“Cabinet reminds beneficiaries that the old Sassa Gold Card will stop working on March 20, and beneficiaries who have not exchanged their cards by then will need to visit their nearest Post Office branch to access their funds,” the minister said.

Sassa previously said Postbank has also made it easy for beneficiaries to locate the nearest place in every province where they can collect their Postbank Black Cards.

Beneficiaries can use their cellphone to:

• Dial 120*218*3#
• Reply by pressing 1
• Reply with the number representing their province

To get the new Postbank Black Card, beneficiaries must have a valid South African ID or temporary ID. No card will be issued without these documents.

Ensuring minimal documentation is required aligns with Sassa and Postbank’s commitment to improving the customer experience for social grant beneficiaries.

The Postbank Black Cards will be issued free of charge. For further enquiries, beneficiaries can contact Postbank at 0800 53 54 55 or Sassa at 0800 60 10 11.

Government previously extended the deadline from February 28 to March 20. – SAnews.gov.za