Today marks the final deadline for all South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries to transition from the agency’s gold card to Postbank’s black card.
The migration process has been met with frustration, as many grant recipients face long queues and staff shortages at assistance centres nationwide. The deadline was initially set for February but was extended to accommodate those who had not yet made the switch.
SASSA has assured beneficiaries that they can complete the card swap at selected retail outlets, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Spar stores.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched a broader investigation into fraudulent activities affecting grant beneficiaries. Ten SASSA officials have already been arrested in connection with an alleged fraud scheme amounting to over R260 million.
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi has reassured affected beneficiaries that they will be reimbursed.
“If you are defrauded, the organisation would have to make sure that they get what is due to them in case you’re a legitimate applicant or a SASSA beneficiary,” he stated.