In a late announcement on Tuesday, Postbank confirmed that the agreement is still in place.
A termination of a master services agreement (MSA) between Postbank and the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) was halted at the eleventh hour.
The agreement was set to lapse on 30 September 2025 following ongoing disputes and a recent High Court ruling.
It would have seen Postbank’s role in paying social grants come to an abrupt end, potentially disrupting access for millions of beneficiaries.
However, in a late announcement on Tuesday, Postbank confirmed that the agreement is still in place.
Sassa confirmed on Wednesday that the termination of the MSA with Postbank has been extended for another three months.
“This is to allow the executive authority time and space to deliberate on various issues from the two entities and give guidance,” it said.
However, speaking to The Citizen, Postbank disputed this and said the 3 months was set for the two parties to come together to resolve internal issues.
Status quo remains unchanged
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe said the MSA with Sassa remains “firmly in place” until an inter-ministerial committee has been constituted and deliberated on the matter.
“The MSA does not terminate on 30 September 2025. This brings certainty and reassurance to millions of social grant beneficiaries who will continue to use their Postbank black cards and Sassa gold cards with confidence, enjoying uninterrupted access to their grants and associated banking benefits,” Mbengashe said.
ALSO READ: Sassa assures beneficiaries – ‘grants are paid to the right person’
Commitment to beneficiaries
Postbank stated that it remains fully committed to its mandate of making grant payments, despite the ongoing legal dispute.
“We will continue to stand firmly with beneficiaries, safeguarding their welfare and access to dignified, safe and reliable banking services,” Mbengashe added.
Furthermore, Sassa reiterated its commitment to putting the interests of the millions of its beneficiaries first, whilst “ensuring improved customer experience”.
In a separate statement issued last week following the High Court judgment, Postbank emphasised that “no beneficiary will go unpaid” and that all payments would continue through retailers and ATMs during the upcoming payment cycles.
ALSO READ: Postbank assures uninterrupted grant payments despite reports that Sassa contract has ended
Gold and black cards remain valid
The bank reminded beneficiaries that both Postbank black cards and Sassa gold cards remain valid methods for social grant payments.
The gold cards will continue to function indefinitely until they are replaced with black cards over the next 15 months.
“There is no need for any beneficiaries to change their payment to other banks. Beneficiaries are urged to resist calls from anyone that they must change their payment method, even from Sassa officials,” Mbengashe said.
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