Advocacy Group Pushes for SASSA Gold Card Replacement Extension
As the deadline for replacing SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards approaches, advocacy groups are raising concerns over the short transition period.
Pay the Grants, an economic justice organization is calling on SASSA and Postbank to extend the deadline beyond February 28, 2025, citing logistical challenges and a lack of communication with beneficiaries.
📌 Key Concerns:
✅ Millions of beneficiaries still need to swap their cards
✅ Long queues and limited access to card-issuing sites
✅ Remote areas lack nearby replacement centers
✅ Lack of prior communication from SASSA/Postbank
Elizabeth Raiters, Deputy Chairperson of Pay the Grants, emphasized that the current process fails to consider the realities faced by social grant recipients.
“The lines are extremely long, and many beneficiaries will not be able to replace their cards in time. This is going to create chaos in March when thousands of people might be left without their grants,” she said.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your SASSA Gold Card?
🔹 Gold cards will no longer be valid for grant withdrawals after February 28, 2025
🔹 Beneficiaries without a Postbank black card may face payment delays
🔹 Those unable to collect their grants in March may need to visit Postbank branches for assistance
Despite Postbank assuring beneficiaries that they can still withdraw grants at its branches, many worry that overwhelmed Postbank locations could lead to delays.
📌 Did You Know? The SASSA gold card replacement deadline has been extended multiple times before—first from December 2023 to December 2024, and now to February 2025.
Challenges Faced by Beneficiaries in Replacing Their Cards
🔸 Limited Distribution Sites: With over 200 designated Postbank outlets, many rural beneficiaries struggle to reach the nearest location.
🔸 Lack of Awareness: Some grant recipients claim they were unaware of the deadline until social media posts and news reports highlighted the urgency.
🔸 Elderly & Disabled Beneficiaries: Many senior citizens and disabled individuals lack the means to travel long distances or stand in long queues to replace their cards.
🔸 Retailer Locations Not Always Accessible: While SASSA has partnered with Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, and Usave, these stores are not always within reach for beneficiaries in rural areas.
How to Replace Your SASSA Gold Card Before the Deadline
📌 To avoid grant payment disruptions, follow these steps:
✅ Step 1: Locate a Postbank Card Issuing Outlet
🔹 Dial *120*218*3# to find the nearest location
🔹 Visit selected retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, or Boxer (availability may vary)
✅ Step 2: Bring the Required Documents
✔️ South African ID book/card
✔️ Current SASSA Gold Card (if available)
✔️ Proof of residence (if requested)
✅ Step 3: Complete the Card Swap Process
🔹 Postbank agents will assist in issuing the new black card
🔹 Your existing SASSA grants will be automatically transferred to the new card
📌 Important: Ensure your details are correct during the process to avoid future payment delays.
Will SASSA Extend the Gold Card Deadline Again?
At this stage, SASSA and Postbank have not indicated any plans for another extension. However, given the high number of beneficiaries yet to switch, pressure from advocacy groups like Pay the Grants could influence an extension.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also called for a deadline extension, arguing that no gold cards should expire before all recipients receive a replacement.
📌 SASSA Beneficiary Assistance:
☎️ Call Center: 0800 60 10 11
📍 Visit a local SASSA/Postbank office for support
Conclusion: Take Action Before February 28!
With the deadline fast approaching, beneficiaries are strongly advised to replace their SASSA gold cards as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute could result in delays, long queues, or missing out on grant payments in March.
✔️ Find a nearby replacement site using *120*218*3#
✔️ Bring your ID & old card to the swap location
✔️ Stay informed through official SASSA/Postbank updates
🚀 Do you think SASSA should extend the deadline? Share your thoughts in the comments!
