SASSA beneficiaries who were unable to exchange their old gold cards for the new Postbank black cards can now rest easy.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has confirmed that the deadline for the exchange has been extended once again.
Extended Deadline for Gold Card Swap
In a recent media briefing about the outcomes of a cabinet meeting, Ntshavheni revealed that the deadline to complete the swap has been pushed back to April 30, 2025.
This extension provides beneficiaries more time to make the switch, allowing SASSA and the Department of Social Development to finalize the migration of those who have not yet completed the process.
The Timeline of Extensions
Originally, the deadline for swapping gold cards was set for February 28, 2025, but it was first extended to March 20, 2025, and now, with the latest extension, beneficiaries have until the end of April 2025 to complete the swap.
Concerns About Access to Funds
The decision to extend the deadline follows significant concerns that those who were unable to exchange their gold cards would face difficulties in accessing their social grant payments.
Many beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, had reported long waiting times at branches, sometimes spending hours in queues to obtain the new black card.
Why the Extension Was Necessary
Ntshavheni explained that the extension was necessary to allow for a smoother transition and to ensure that all beneficiaries were able to make the switch without losing access to their funds.
She mentioned that as of the latest reports, 800,000 beneficiaries had yet to complete the migration, and the new deadline would ensure that everyone could meet the requirements in time.
Postbank’s Progress
The Minister also shared positive news regarding Postbank, confirming that the bank has met eight of the nine requirements set by the South African Reserve Bank for the payment of social grants.
The only remaining requirement is the physical replacement of the cards, which is expected to be completed by 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 |
The extension of the SASSA gold card swap deadline offers a much-needed reprieve for beneficiaries, especially those who faced difficulties in completing the process on time.
With the new deadline of April 30, 2025, there is now ample time for everyone to make the switch to the Postbank black card, ensuring they can continue receiving their social grant payments without interruption.
FAQs
Why was the deadline extended for SASSA beneficiaries to swap their cards?
The deadline was extended to allow beneficiaries more time to complete the process of exchanging their gold cards for the new Postbank black cards. The extension also gives SASSA and the Department of Social Development the opportunity to assist those who had not yet made the switch, particularly those facing challenges like long queues.
How many beneficiaries still need to swap their gold cards?
As of the latest report, approximately 800,000 beneficiaries have not yet migrated to the new Postbank black cards.
When is the new deadline for completing the card swap?
The new deadline for swapping gold cards for the Postbank black cards is April 30, 2025.
What is the status of Postbank in meeting the requirements for social grant payments?
Postbank has met eight out of nine requirements set by the South African Reserve Bank for processing social grant payments. The remaining requirement is the physical replacement of the old cards.