Lowveld residents who still use the gold Sassa card have less than a week to complete their switch to the new Postbank black card before the migration ends on 31 August, Postbank has warned. The bank says cards that are not replaced by the deadline will cease to function and beneficiaries risk disruptions to their social grant payments.
What beneficiaries must do now
Postbank encourages beneficiaries to collect the replacement card well ahead of their usual payment date. The bank cautioned that waiting until the last moment could lead to longer queues and delays at the sites handling card replacements.
- Bring a valid South African identity document or a temporary ID document to complete the card swap.
- Replacement cards are issued free of charge.
- Visit selected retailers that are serving as card distribution points rather than going to Sassa offices for card collection queries.
- If beneficiaries need help with payments, PINs, lost or stolen cards, or declined transactions, contact the Postbank call centre on 0800 53 54 55.
Where and when to get the new card in the Lowveld
Postbank black cards are being distributed at a number of retail outlets and designated service points. Operating hours for card replacement sites are generally Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.
| Retailer / Site | Location |
|---|---|
| SUPERSPAR Indlovu | Hazyview |
| SUPERSPAR Malalane | Malalane |
| SUPERSPAR Plaza | Mbombela |
| SUPERSPAR White River | White River |
Beyond the supermarkets listed above, Postbank said other participating retailers include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar. Beneficiaries can dial *120*355# from a mobile phone to find the nearest card replacement point.
Why the change and what it means
The replacement exercise is part of the migration from the older gold-coloured Sassa payment card to a Postbank-branded black card. Postbank has indicated that the older cards will be phased out and will no longer operate after the migration window closes.
For many low-income households, the social grant is an essential source of income. Any interruption to access — for example because a card has expired or was not swapped in time — can cause immediate hardship for beneficiaries and their dependants. Postbank has therefore advised beneficiaries to act now rather than wait.
Help and alternatives
Postbank also reminded beneficiaries that queries related to grant payments should be handled through Postbank service points. The bank can assist with issues such as missed payments, PIN changes, card reissues and disputes following declined transactions.
“Beneficiaries should not wait until their payment date to replace their cards,”
The bank said increased foot traffic around pay dates can lengthen waiting times, which is why early replacement is advisable. Replacement remains free and requires only a valid identity document.
Community organisations and local council offices in the Lowveld have been urged to help spread the message and assist elderly or immobile beneficiaries to reach replacement sites. Where mobility is an issue, families are advised to contact Postbank or their local social services office for guidance on collecting a replacement card.
Residents who are unsure where to go can use the mobile USSD code or call the Postbank helpline. Ensuring a smooth transition before 31 August will prevent avoidable interruptions to grant payments and reduce pressure on local service points in the final days of the migration.
Key contacts: Postbank call centre: 0800 53 54 55. Nearest distribution point: dial *120*355# from a mobile phone.
