As the deadline approaches for grant recipients to switch to the Postbank black card, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) reassures beneficiaries that they are doing everything in their power to ensure smooth transitions.
174,000 Beneficiaries in Western Cape Still Need to Switch
Around 174,000 grant recipients in the Western Cape still need to update their details and transition to the black cards before the Thursday cut-off. By the end of the month, the old gold cards will no longer be valid, leaving beneficiaries with little time to complete the process.
Urgent Preparations for the Card Transition
On Tuesday, Sassa addressed the Western Cape legislature’s standing committee on social development, discussing the ongoing efforts to issue the new black cards.
During the briefing, Sibusiso Nhlangothi, Sassa’s acting regional executive manager in the province, expressed concern over the limited time and extensive details that need to be captured for each beneficiary.
He explained, “We are very concerned… if we look at the numbers and also look at what needs to be captured because it doesn’t matter if you receive information from the beneficiary and have not captured it.
So, we have to plan to ensure that details are captured before the cut-off date.” To expedite the process, Sassa is allocating 70% of its staff to data capturing, while 30% will assist beneficiaries at the front offices.
Improved Security with the Black Cards
The black card was initially introduced via social media in June last year and rolled out in major cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein in September.
These new cards are designed to enhance security features and resolve the frequent payment disruptions that plagued the previous gold cards.
Concerns Over Postbank Service Points
Despite the improvements in card features, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, the chairperson of the social development standing committee, voiced concerns over the lack of Postbank service points in the province.
She pointed out that the shortage of service points is significantly hindering beneficiaries’ ability to transition from the gold cards to the new black cards.
Currently, limited-service points are available in select retail locations, including Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Spar, and Usave. In addition, roving teams have been deployed to assist those in areas without permanent service points.
Black Sash Voices Concerns About Delays
The Black Sash, a human rights organization, has raised concerns regarding potential delays in the transition process. Evashnee Naidu, a representative from Black Sash, emphasized the risk that Postbank may not have adequately prepared to support beneficiaries who fail to transition before the April pay cycle.
Naidu highlighted the challenges faced by elderly beneficiaries, particularly those in their nineties or even one hundred years old, who struggle to stand for long periods in queues.
Additionally, the unreliable network and lack of seating at service points exacerbate the problem. While Black Sash is not currently considering legal action, the organization continues to monitor the situation closely.
Local Councillors Help Smooth the Transition
In an effort to ease the process, City of Cape Town councillors have been organizing events for the elderly in various communities to assist with the card migration.
Elton Jansen, the Strandfontein ward councillor, shared that the process in his area went smoothly, with various banks offering assistance.
He added that the event was well received, with no long queues, and numerous seniors expressing their gratitude for the initiative.
FAQs
What is the deadline for switching to the Postbank black card?
The deadline for capturing beneficiary details and transitioning to the Postbank black card is Thursday, with the old gold cards becoming invalid by the end of the month.
How many beneficiaries in the Western Cape need to transition to the new cards?
Approximately 174,000 grant beneficiaries in the Western Cape still need to switch to the Postbank black card before the cut-off date.
Why are Sassa officials concerned about the transition?
Sassa officials are worried about the time constraints and the volume of information that needs to be captured from beneficiaries before the cut-off date.
What improvements does the Postbank black card offer?
The black card offers updated security features and a more reliable payment system, addressing issues faced by gold card users in the past.