SASSA gold cards to remain active beyond end May deadline, says Postbank
This comes as a relief to millions of grant recipients who feared they’d be locked out of their funds after the 31 May deadline to migrate to new Postbank black cards.
Postbank has started introducing a new Black Card for SASSA beneficiaries. Picture supplied by SASSA
JOHANNESBURG - With weeks to go before the deadline, social grant beneficiaries have been given a lifeline after Postbank confirmed that the South African Social Security (SASSA) gold cards would remain active beyond the end of May.
This comes as a relief to millions of grant recipients who feared they’d be locked out of their funds after the 31 May deadline to migrate to new Postbank black cards.
The bank said gold cards would continue to function at ATMs, retail stores and for swipes, just as they do now; and that grant payments would not be interrupted.
The move follows a temporary pause in the distribution of the new black cards, which officials said was to stabilise the transition process and ensure no one is left behind.
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe said the bank was committed to making sure grants remain accessible to all beneficiaries, regardless of which card they currently use.
She also urged the public to ignore rumours, and to be cautious of misleading messages circulating on social media, warning that only Postbank can authorise changes to grant cards.
While new card rollouts are on hold, Postbank sites remain open for PIN resets, lost card replacements and for beneficiaries looking to register for the cardless payment system.
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