The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has assured grant recipients that their Sassa gold cards are not being replaced. This comes as several false reports indicated that the agency will replace the cards.
Sassa gold cards are used by more than 18 million permanent grant beneficiaries who access their social grant money monthly.
These permanent grants include the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support grant, Foster Care Grant, Grant in Aid, War Veterans Grant, and the Care Dependency grant.
The agency explained that the false social media reports that the gold Sassa card is being replaced have sparked concerns within the organisation and caused panic among many of the agency’s grant recipients.
Sassa declared that the Sassa gold card remains a valid and acceptable payment option on the National Payment System. This includes ATMs and retailers.
The agency also assured grant beneficiaries that they will receive their December 2022 grant payments.
They said, “Messages on social media that grants recipients will not receive their grant payment in December if they have not changed their cards are false.”
Sassa assured grant beneficiaries that if any changes are made to the grant payment options, it will be communicated through official Sassa social media platforms, through media platforms and by Sassa officials.
Announcements in this regard will not be made through personal social media accounts or voice notes from unknown people.
The Sassa gold card allows grant beneficiaries to transact for free at ATMs and retailers. These cards also ensure grant beneficiaries do not receive bank charges on their first three transactions and gives them the protection from any illegal deductions.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to paying the correct grants to the correct people at the right time and place.
