The deadline for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards is 20 March 2025, meaning beneficiaries must switch to the new PostBank Black Card or an alternative payment method.
SASSA Gold Cards deadline is tonight: Here’s what you must know
Despite the deadline, beneficiaries who have not yet migrated will still be able to access their grants at selected Post Offices with a valid ID.
According to PostBank, card replacements will continue beyond the cut-off date, with around 1.5 million cards yet to be swapped. The Western Cape remains a concern, with approximately 174,473 beneficiaries still needing to migrate.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed concerns about the migration process, citing limited access to service points as a major obstacle for many grant recipients.
DA provincial spokesperson on social development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, criticised SASSA for underspending its R200 million budget allocated for the card replacement campaign.
“We urge strengthened collaboration between SASSA and PostBank to ensure the dignity and well-being of millions of South Africans who rely on these grants,” she stated.
Latest updates on the SASSA-PostBank card migration
SASSA Acting CEO Themba Matlou acknowledged the challenges faced during the migration process, stating that 2.9 million beneficiaries were originally using Gold Cards when the transition began.
He confirmed that SASSA had extended working hours, increased human resources, and conducted community outreach programmes to facilitate the migration, particularly in rural areas.
For those who miss the deadline, there are still several options available:
- PostBank Black Cards: Beneficiaries can continue switching to the new card beyond 20 March.
- Post Office withdrawals: Those without a new card can still withdraw funds by presenting their ID and cellphone at selected Post Offices.
- Bank account deposits: Beneficiaries can opt to have their grants deposited into their personal bank accounts by submitting the necessary forms at SASSA offices.
PostBank has also announced an increase in service points across the Western Cape to accommodate the large number of beneficiaries still needing to migrate.
SASSA and PostBank have reassured beneficiaries that social grants will not be lost and that efforts to assist those who have yet to switch over will continue beyond 20 March.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to act as soon as possible to avoid delays in the next payment cycle.
