As deadline looms, WC DA concerned about SASSA gold card migration

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape is still concerned about the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card migration, despite reassurances from the agency and Postbank.
 
Thursday is the deadline for social grant beneficiaries to switch from the Gold card to Postbank's new black card.
 
While the SASSA gold card will not work after Thursday, beneficiaries can still get their payouts at selected Post Offices using their identity cards (IDs).

READ: As deadline looms, more than 170k SASSA beneficiaries in WC yet to migrate to Postbank cards
 
The Postbank has also given an assurance that cardless withdrawal options will be available for beneficiaries who do not receive their black cards by the deadline. 
 
DA provincial spokesperson on social development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander said no beneficiary must be left behind. 
  
"Limited access to service points has made it difficult for many beneficiaries to complete the migration, with 174,473 beneficiaries in the Western Cape still needing to make the switch. SASSA has underspent its R200 million budget for the Postbank card replacement campaign. This is worrying given that so many beneficiaries have yet to migrate to the new system."
  
She added that the reality of many beneficiaries not receiving their grants next month was becoming a real concern for many vulnerable South Africans.
 
"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."

ALSO READ: Postbank reassures SASSA it will have enough money to pay grant beneficiaries in April