The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant card replacement process is in crisis, according to Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe. Addressing Parliament, the minister raised serious concerns about Postbank’s failure to implement a clear strategy for transitioning beneficiaries from the old gold Sassa cards to the new black Postbank cards.
As thousands of vulnerable South Africans depend on social grants for survival, the delays and inefficiencies have left them frustrated, uncertain, and exposed to risks. Parliamentarians from multiple political parties have echoed Tolashe’s concerns, demanding that Postbank provide answers.
Important: SASSA Gold Card Replacement: Use USSD Code to Find a Store Near You
No Plan, No Clarity: Minister’s Stark Warning
On Tuesday, Tolashe informed MPs that Postbank appears to have no plan in place to effectively manage the transition. She made this statement before the Parliamentary Social Development Portfolio Committee, accompanied by officials from her department and Sassa.
“Indeed, there is a crisis. It is a crisis because we identified that there seems to be no plan. If there is a plan, I have yet to see it,” – Minister Sisisi Tolashe
Tolashe’s oversight visits to Postbank sites in Cape Town confirmed chaotic conditions, with long queues, inefficiencies, and a lack of support for grant beneficiaries. She further expressed her frustration that Postbank’s lack of planning was causing distress among vulnerable citizens, who fear they won’t get their money before the March 20 deadline for the card replacement.
Parliamentary Committee Demands Accountability
During the session, Parliamentary Social Development Portfolio Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango criticized Postbank for failing to provide requested information on the progress of the card replacement process. This information was crucial for MPs to conduct oversight visits.
Masango expressed concerns that Postbank was undermining government institutions by not being transparent.
“It is a concerning situation that you feel almost you are being undermined by the entity of a department of government.” – Bridget Masango, Chairperson of the Social Development Portfolio Committee
Several MPs, including ANC’s Tshilidzi Bethuel Munyai, MK Party’s Nhlanhla Gcwabaza, EFF’s Paulnita Marais, and DA’s Alexandra Abrahams, supported calls for Postbank to be summoned to Parliament to explain the delays.
“Postbank must come here and answer really what is happening.” – Nhlanhla Gcwabaza, MK Party MP
The Reality on the Ground: Long Queues, Financial Struggles, and Exploitation
The minister shared harrowing accounts of grant recipients facing severe challenges during the card replacement process:
Long queues at retail stores and Postbank sites
Beneficiaries arrive as early as 1 a.m., hoping to get their cards replaced.High transport costs
Many recipients pay expensive transport fares to reach Postbank service points, putting an additional financial strain on them.Vulnerability to crime
Women and elderly beneficiaries waiting in long queues are often targeted by criminals. Some fall victim to extortion.Slow processing times
The committee was shocked to learn that only 13 cards were processed in four hours at certain locations.
“They are exposed literally to everything, especially women. They are exposed to extortionists.” – Minister Sisisi Tolashe
Related: Postbank Loses 20% of SASSA Social Grant Recipients as Banks Step In
Sassa’s Doubts on the March 20 Deadline
With just weeks to go before the March 20 deadline, Minister Tolashe cast doubt on whether the transition could be completed in time. She accused Postbank of setting an unrealistic deadline without assessing the actual situation.
“There is just no way. When you look at the phenomenon on the ground, that deadline was not informed by the fact. It was a deadline for the sake of having it.” – Minister Sisisi Tolashe
In some areas, such as Grabouw, over 11,000 beneficiaries have no access to a Postbank site, forcing them to travel to other towns to obtain their cards.
Minister Apologizes to Grant Beneficiaries
Recognizing the distress and hardship caused by the delays, Minister Tolashe apologized to grant recipients and their families.
“We really apologise profusely, hence we appeal to Postbank to resolve the matter.” – Minister Sisisi Tolashe
She reassured the public that Sassa is exploring alternative solutions to address the crisis, but she made it clear that the responsibility ultimately lies with Postbank.
What Happens Next?
Parliamentarians insist that Postbank must appear before the Social Development Committee to explain its lack of preparedness. The committee is expected to summon Postbank as soon as possible.
With time running out, beneficiaries remain uncertain about whether they will receive their grants on time. If Postbank does not provide an urgent solution, thousands of South Africans could be left without financial support in the coming months.
The Sassa card replacement crisis highlights critical failures in planning and execution by Postbank. As the deadline approaches, the government must act swiftly to ensure that no beneficiary is left behind. Transparency, accountability, and urgent intervention are needed to restore trust in the social grant system.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this crisis can be averted—or if South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens will face even greater hardships.
