Extended Deadline: SASSA Gold Cards Must Be Swapped for Postbank Cards by April 2025

This announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing held on Thursday, following a recent Cabinet meeting in Pretoria.

The South African government has officially extended the deadline for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries to transition from the SASSA gold card to the new Postbank black card. The new deadline is now set for 30 April 2025, offering additional time for beneficiaries to make the switch without risking disruption to their social grant payments.

This announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing held on Thursday, following a recent Cabinet meeting in Pretoria. The briefing provided an update on the government’s progress in migrating social grant beneficiaries to a more secure and efficient payment system through the Postbank black card.

Why the Transition?

The move to phase out the gold cards and introduce the Postbank black card is part of a broader strategy by the government to enhance the safety and integrity of the social grant payment system. The Postbank black card is equipped with enhanced security features that better protect beneficiaries from fraud and unauthorized transactions.

According to Minister Ntshavheni, Postbank has already complied with eight out of the nine requirements set by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to handle grant payments. The final outstanding requirement is the physical replacement of the gold cards with the new black cards — a process that the extension aims to facilitate more effectively.

Previous Deadlines and Current Update

Originally, the cut-off date for the card swop was 28 February 2025, after which a short extension to 20 March 2025 was granted. However, recognizing the logistical challenges and the need for broader outreach to remaining beneficiaries, Cabinet has now approved a longer extension to 30 April 2025.

This decision gives SASSA and the Department of Social Development more time to complete the transition and ensure no eligible beneficiary is left behind.

Where to Get the New Postbank Black Card

Beneficiaries can collect their new cards at several major retail outlets across South Africa, including:

• Shoprite

• Checkers

• Usave

• Pick n Pay

• Boxer

To collect a new card, beneficiaries must present either:

• A valid South African ID, or

• A temporary ID certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

How to Find the Nearest Card Collection Site

Postbank has made it simple for beneficiaries to locate the nearest collection points using just their mobile phones. To access this service:

1. Dial: *120*355# from your cellphone

2. Reply with: 1 to continue

3. Enter the number that corresponds to your province

This USSD service is available to all beneficiaries and provides quick, province-specific information about where to go for card collection.

Benefits of the Postbank Black Card

The Postbank black card comes with several key advantages designed to improve the experience of social grant recipients. These include:

• Improved security features to prevent fraud and unauthorized use

• One free card replacement annually in case of loss or damage

• Three free in-store withdrawals per month at partnered retailers

• One free printed statement per month over the counter at Postbank branches

These features aim to reduce transaction fees and give beneficiaries better control over their finances.

Government’s Appeal to Beneficiaries

Minister Ntshavheni emphasized the importance of acting early, urging all SASSA grant beneficiaries who are still using the gold card to make the transition as soon as possible. Delaying until the final days of the deadline may result in longer queues or potential complications.

The government is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient switchover, and all beneficiaries are encouraged to take full advantage of the extended deadline and available services to complete the card swap process.

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For more information, beneficiaries can visit Postbank branches, contact SASSA, or dial 120355# for assistance.