Postbank must explain what it’s doing to resolve system glitches to Social Development committee: Tolashe

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe said Postbank must be hauled before the Social Development committee to explain what it's doing to resolve system glitches as it tries to move grant beneficiaries to a new black card.

The committee on Wednesday raised concerns about Postbank's ability to issue new cards for social grant beneficiaries and whether it would meet the March deadline.

ALSO READ: Tolashe, MPs slam Postbank for failing to resolve glitches in issuing new black cards to grant beneficiaries

Members of Parliament (MPs) now want to have a sit-down with the entity to get an explanation on what is being done to resolve the glitches as beneficiaries switch from gold South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards to the new black card.

SASSA and the Department of Social Development briefed MPs on the challenges facing the entities and the investigation into social relief of distress (SRD) grant fraud.

Tolashe described the Postbank situation as nothing but a "crisis" and narrated how some social grant beneficiaries were not able to access funds because of the new card system.

She also called out Postbank’s slow pace in issuing the new black cards in the different sites she visited.

"Even around town, they are so scattered. If not, their tellers have no clue of what they are doing."

While the Postbank doesn’t fall within Tolashe’s department, she said they must appear before MPs to explain.

"I will really appreciate that kind of instruction for Postbank to come and explain themselves."

On the SRD grant investigation into fraudulent applications, the committee will receive quarterly reports on the implementation of recommendations like the introduction of a biometric system.