Recipients must replace soon-to-be blocked cards

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With the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) deadline set for 20 March, grant beneficiaries have just one more day left to replace their cards.

Recipients have been reminded that their Gold Cards will be blocked after the deadline. Therefore, they have been urged to do the switch to ensure they receive their grant payments for April.

GOLD CARDS WILL BE BLOCKED AFTER SASSA DEADLINE TOMORROW

More than one million SASSA grant beneficiaries have made the switch to Postbank Black Cards or other forms of payment. With the deadline looming, there are still some who have not done the necessary switch.

SASSA has continued to remind grant recipients that their Gold Cards will be blocked after 20 March. Those still in possession of these cards will have to use other means to receive their grant payments until they replace them.

FRANTIC EFFORTS TO REPLACE SASSA GOLD CARDS

Daily Maverick reported on 18 March on the efforts underway as the SASSA deadline approaches. According to the report, over 170 000 grant beneficiaries in the Western Cape still need to have their cards replaced.

Sibusiso Nhlangothi, Acting Regional Executive Manager at SASSA said: “If you are holding a gold card, it’s a dummy.”

Nhlangothi also said clarity on which Post Office branches grant beneficiaries can collect their grants from should be prioritised. He also revealed that 70% of SASSA employees are working overtime to assist recipients and operating hours have been extended.

WILL BENEFICIARIES WHO STILL HAVE GOLD CARDS GET PAID AFTER SASSA DEADLINE?

SASSA and Postbank released a joint statement on 17 March 2025 explaining what will happen to beneficiaries with Gold Cards after the deadline.

“All social grant beneficiaries will continue to be paid, including all the social grant beneficiaries who have not been able to get their black cards.

“Social grant beneficiaries that are yet to replace their gold cards with Postbank black cards, can go withdraw their grant at their nearest Post Office. All that one will need to make this withdrawal is their ID,” the statement read.

This “interim measure” does not apply to all grant beneficiaries. After the SASSA deadline, it is only certain recipients that can collect grants from the Post Office. They include those with Gold Card, Postbank green Mzansi/blue cards holders and asylum seekers.