JOHANNESBURG - Time is running out for the remaining social grant beneficiaries still using SASSA Gold Cards, with the 31 August deadline now just days away.
SASSA says the migration to Postbank’s Black Cards is being driven by security concerns, with about 150,000 beneficiaries still needing to make the switch.
Why are the Gold Cards being replaced?
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi says the security features on the old cards have been compromised.
READ: Still on old SASSA card? Here’s what you need to do before 31 August
Letsatsi says the Gold Cards do not have security features that are aligned with the national payment system, leaving them vulnerable to misuse if they are lost or stolen.
He says the move to the Black Card is intended to ensure beneficiaries’ grants are better protected.
How many beneficiaries still need to switch?
SASSA says it has been informed that around 150,000 beneficiaries still need to migrate.
Letsatsi says SASSA will remain concerned until the last beneficiary has made the switch.
READ: SASSA faces growing demand as grant beneficiaries near 20 million
“We will relax when we know that all sorts of beneficiaries have switched from the Gold Card into the Black Card,” he said.
What happens after the deadline?
The Gold Cards are being phased out and beneficiaries who have not migrated could face problems accessing their grants.
Letsatsi says SASSA wants to avoid a situation where beneficiaries reach the next payment cycle without access to their money.
READ: Is it you? Some SASSA beneficiaries to wait longer for August payout
“We will be watching the process very closely to make sure that no beneficiary complains that they don’t have access to their money.”
Is SASSA confident the migration will run smoothly?
SASSA says it has been engaging with Postbank about the rollout.
Letsatsi says Postbank has identified sites close to where beneficiaries live and has worked out staffing requirements for the migration process.
READ: Clock is ticking, change SASSA gold card or risk payment disruption
He says SASSA will also monitor how beneficiaries are treated during the process.
What about beneficiaries who can’t easily get to a migration site?
SASSA says it has raised concerns about beneficiaries who may struggle to travel to the designated sites.
READ: Sassa beneficiaries urged to switch to Black Cards before deadline
Letsatsi says these challenges should have been factored into Postbank’s rollout plan, including arrangements for people who cannot easily reach a site.
Will the Black Card be more secure?
Letsatsi says SASSA believes the new cards offer better protection, although Postbank is responsible for the card migration process.
“We believe that they are secure,” he said.
He says SASSA will continue monitoring the process to ensure beneficiaries are not left without access to their grants.