Those SASSA beneficiaries who failed to exchange their old gold cards with the new Postbank black cards can now breathe a sigh of relief.
The minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that there is another extension for the deadline that was set to exchange the cards.
Extended Deadline for Gold Card Swap
Ntshavheni previously announced during a media briefing after the recent cabinet meeting that the swapping is now set to close on April 30, 2025.
In its extension, this has given beneficiaries more leeway for the switch and SASSA and the Department of Social Development time to finalize migration for the remaining beneficiaries yet to be processed.
The Timeline of Extensions
The deadline for swapping gold cards was originally slated for the end of February 2025, then extended to March 20 of the very same year, and with the present extension, beneficiaries will enjoy the grace period until April’s end.
Facilities of Access to Funds
Much concern raised for extending the deadline regarding those who were unable to exchange gold cards since it would not be easy for such persons to collect their payments for social grants.
Many beneficiaries, of the aging population in specific, have reported sometimes waiting at branches for too long, hours in some instances, to get the new black card.
The Importance of Extension
Ntshavheni indicated that the extension was essential for beneficiary smooth transformation considering that they would not be having any barriers during the transition in terms of access to funds.
According to her, latest reports indicated that a total of 800,000 beneficiaries were still untreated and would have enough time for compliance with the new deadline.
Post Bank Progress
Minister brings some good things about Postbank too, saying the bank has fulfilled 8 out of 9 requirements defined by SARB on social grants pay out.
Only the card physical replacement is remaining, which is expected to complete within the new deadline.
Key Points to Remember
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Deadline | February 28, 2025 |
| First Extension | March 20, 2025 |
| Current Deadline | April 30, 2025 |
| Beneficiaries Left to Migrate | 800,000 |
| Requirements Met by Postbank | 8 out of 9 |
How blessed, indeed, will the extension of SASSA gold grant card swap deadlines become for beneficiaries who could not finish the process in time.
Now, with the change of the deadline to April 30, 2025, everyone has enough time to switch to the Postbank black card and continue receiving social benefit payments without interruptions.
Final Word:
This SABC’s great news by extending the SASSA gold card swap by the end of April 2023-now beneficiaries have enough time to renew their cards. Thus, recipients will not suffer from interruptions in their payments for receiving grants. If you have not swapped your card, make use of this extension and visit the nearest designated center as fast as possible. Stay informed, act fast, and secure your payments for the future!
FAQS:
Why was the deadline extended for SASSA beneficiaries to swap their cards?
The extension will also afford SASSA and the Department of Social Development to assist those that have not yet made the switch, in particular those experiencing problems such as long queues.
How many beneficiaries still need to swap their gold cards?
As per the latest report, at least 800,000 beneficiaries have not migrated to the new Postbank black cards.
When is the new deadline for completing the card swap?
The cards of old design are to be swapped for the new Postbank black cards, and the latest deadline is set for April 30, 2025.
What is the status of Postbank concerning the requirements of social grant payments?
Out of the nine requirements given by the South African Reserve Bank for social grant payment processing, Postbank has satisfied eight. The remaining requirement is the physical replacement of the old cards.