Postbank is currently in a race against time to distribute its new Black card to South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant beneficiaries.
The agency has issued 880,000 new cards since September, using retail partnerships at 1,554 sites. Postbank briefed the committee earlier this week on the progress made in implementing interventions to address problems in the card replacement process.
We started in September last year and we have issued in total of 880 000 cards. This means 536 000 cards were issued over five months and in 12 days 334 000 cards were issued.
Postbank CEO, Nikki Mbengashe confirmed that Postbank black cards will be distributed at retail points around the country until 30 June 2025.
Whether you have your yellow card or your black card, your money will go into your account. Whether you were able to register for a cardless solution or not, you will still get your money,
Chairperson of the Social Development Portfolio Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango welcomed Postbank’s progress in issuing the cards.
We urge Postbank to remain vigilant, as panic persists on the ground with some of the black cards that have been issued not working and some sites still experiencing operational glitches.
Urgency Needed
Sassa distributes over 18 million permanent grant payments, including the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid. Many of the beneficiaries of these grants still use a Sassa gold card.
The rollout of Postbank black cards commenced in 2024. When the rollout began, grant beneficiaries were assured that no Sassa gold cards would expire until all beneficiaries received a Postbank Black card.
However, in early 2025, the agency confirmed that Sassa gold cards would stop working at the end of February. Following calls from stakeholders, an extension was granted and beneficiaries have until 20 March 2025 to collect a Postbank black card.
Postbank have been criticised for their handling of the rollout with parliamentary members labelling the process as inefficient.
Sassa Supporting New Card Rollout
Acting Sassa CEO, Mr Themba Matlou announced several interventions to assist postbank with the rollout of new black cards for social grant beneficiaries.
This includes increasing card distribution sites and prioritising areas where shortages are identified.
We have also deployed additional Sassa staff to most of the sites to manage queues and support beneficiaries including introducing express queues for older persons and those who are frail.
