DA calls for urgent engagement on Postbank black cards amid ongoing SASSA grant distribution challenges
8 October 2024
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reached out to the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to request an urgent engagement with Postbank, asking them to provide a comprehensive list of locations where Postbank black cards are in stock. This move is aimed at preventing grant beneficiaries from going from pillar to post in search of replacement cards, as transport costs are high and queues remain excessively long.
This request follows a previous DA statement, issued last Thursday, which highlighted ongoing issues with the distribution of SASSA grants and the phasing out of the SASSA gold cards and replacement of them with Postbank black cards. Although the SASSA gold cards are still valid until the end of the year it seems this information has not been relayed to all beneficiaries. DA Councillor and DA Women’s Network (DAWN) Chair in the Vaal region, Mariana Kruger, has been actively assisting elderly residents in Gauteng, many of whom have been unable to access their grants or obtain replacement cards despite visiting multiple locations.
These beneficiaries are not only struggling to secure new Postbank black cards but are also losing precious funds on transportation costs, further exacerbated by the high cost of living.
Compounding the issue, it has come to light that replacement Postbank black cards are not activated immediately but only after a 24-hour waiting period.
This crucial information has not been clearly communicated to beneficiaries, adding to their frustration and making the process even more arduous. Some beneficiaries with accounts at other banks have also reported difficulties in accessing their grants, further intensifying the crisis.
The DA urges the Minister of Social Development as well as the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies to intervene to bring about a lasting solution at Postbank and SASSA to ensure these challenges do not happen in the coming months.
Issued by Bridget Masango, DA Spokesperson on Social Development, 8 October 2024
