Good news for SASSA beneficiaries! Postbank has confirmed that the SASSA Gold Cards will stay valid throughout 2025, even as the transition to new Black Cards begins.
This assurance comes as a relief to grant recipients who were initially concerned about the announced expiration date of December 31, 2024.
If you’re a SASSA grant recipient, here’s everything you need to know about the Gold Card validity, Black Card rollout, and what steps to take.
Gold Card Validity
Initially, Postbank announced that Gold Cards would expire at the end of 2024. However, they later confirmed that these cards would remain functional until they are fully replaced with the new Black Cards. This means:
- You can continue to use your Gold Card for grant payments.
- There’s no need to panic or rush to change your payment method.
- Gold Cards will remain active in areas where Black Cards haven’t been introduced yet.
Black Card Rollout
New Features of the Black Card:
- Enhanced Security: The Black Card includes updated EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) standards for better fraud protection.
- Improved Efficiency: Designed for quicker transactions, it offers a seamless experience for beneficiaries.
- Compliance: Meets global banking standards, ensuring safety and reliability.
The Black Card rollout has already started in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Northern Cape, and North West. Other areas, including Pretoria, will follow soon.
How to Get the Black Card
Steps to Replace Your Card:
- Bring Valid Identification: You need a valid South African ID or a temporary ID.
- Replacement for Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers must bring a SASSA-issued approval letter.
- Authorization for Representatives: If someone collects the card on your behalf, they need a SASSA authorization letter and their own ID.
For bedridden or elderly beneficiaries who cannot travel, Postbank will offer home visits to deliver the Black Cards. Details on scheduling these visits will be available in the coming weeks.
Collection Points in Pretoria
Here’s where you can pick up your Black Card in Pretoria:
| Location | Area |
|---|---|
| Boxer, Station Square | Pretoria Central |
| Shoprite, Lilian Ngoyi & Bloed Streets | Pretoria Central |
| Shoprite, Pretoria North | Pretoria North |
| Shoprite, Wierdapark | Centurion |
| Shoprite, Jubilee Crossing | Hammanskraal |
| Shoprite, Denlyn Mall | Mamelodi |
| Postbank, Pretoria Branch | Church Square |
| Postbank, Pretoria North Branch | Ben Viljoen Street |
Benefits of the New Black Card
Postbank ensures that all benefits of the Gold Card will remain available with the Black Card:
- Free first card replacement if lost or stolen.
- Three free in-store withdrawals per month.
- One free monthly statement over the counter.
- No unauthorized deductions from the account.
These features aim to ensure a smooth and beneficial transition for all recipients.
Special Assistance for Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Postbank has launched a program to assist bedridden and elderly recipients. This includes:
- Home visits for card delivery.
- Personalized assistance for those unable to travel. Details on how to access this service will be released soon.
What’s Next?
Postbank has not set a specific deadline to complete the transition to Black Cards. Gold Cards will continue working until every beneficiary receives their new card.
In the meantime, Postbank reassures recipients to ignore any misinformation and continue using their Gold Cards as usual.
This transition highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring no disruptions in social grant payments while improving security and efficiency for beneficiaries.
