This was announced on Friday by the Ministers of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, and Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, in a joint press release.

But frustration is running high in the Vaal, where the most accessible point to exchange cards is at Postbank, located in Pick n Pay Vaal Mall. This is the closest point for people living in Meyerton.

Because of this, elderly people have to get up early in the morning (as early as 05:00) to make their way to Vaal Mall to fall in the queue.

Many complained that they have been doing this for three days in a row and still don’t have their cards. Chaotic scenes have been reported from all areas in SA.

Sadly, pensioners are forced to endure painstakingly long queues – there is no other option.

“We have listened to the deep concerns and frustrations of our social grant beneficiaries and trust that this extension will provide much-needed time for grant recipients.

“We strongly encourage our beneficiaries to make sure that they change to the Postbank Black Card as soon as they can, and well ahead of the 20 March 2025 deadline,” the Ministers said.

They emphasised that grant payments will continue as usual, even after the deadline.

TAKE NOTE!

If beneficiaries have not exchanged their cards by then, their grants will still be paid, but they will need to visit their nearest Post Office branch to access their funds.

To make sure that beneficiaries are assisted in changing to the black cards as efficiently as possible, the two departments and entities are working together to add more human capacity and are working with retailers to increase the number of sites across the country.

“Furthermore, the March 20 deadline marks the date when the SASSA Gold Cards will stop working, not the last day to apply for the new card.

“After the 20th beneficiaries will still be able to apply for and receive their Postbank Black Cards,” the Ministers said.