Sassa explains what will happen if you miss 20 March deadline to switch to Postbank's Black Card
Please note that 702 reached out to Postbank, offering them an opportunity to respond; however, they have declined.
Postbank has started introducing a new Black Card for SASSA beneficiaries. Picture supplied by SASSA
702's John Perlman interviews Paseka Letsatsi, Head of Communications at the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).
Listen below:
By the end of February, 1.9 million beneficiaries still needed to transition from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) Gold Card to Postbank’s Black Card ahead of the looming 20 March deadline.
Letsatsi clarifies that beneficiaries with private bank accounts do not need to make the switch, as their payments will continue to be deposited directly into their accounts.
The Sassa Gold Card will become inactive for those who fail to meet the 20 March deadline.
These beneficiaries will then need to queue at the post office to collect their payments over the counter.
Alternatively, they will receive a cashless card transaction or an e-wallet with the ability to withdraw funds after receiving an SMS notification.
"That's what we did not want to happen because it will inconvenience people."
- Paseka Letsatsi, Head of Communications – South African Social Security Agency
Letsatsi says that Sassa has requested that Postbank provide daily progress reports.
He adds that should a significant number of beneficiaries fail to meet the 20 March deadline, Postbank will be required to present an action plan to ensure that recipients receive their grants in a dignified manner.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.