No social-grant payments will be stopped despite the ongoing issues with the Sassa-card renewal crisis.
Solly Malatsi, national minister of communication and digital technology assured grant beneficiaries, regardless of whether or not they have received their new black Postbank cards, they will receive the funds. The guarantee came at a joint portfolio committee meeting on Tuesday, when he revealed that additional interventions, including a cardless cash-withdrawal service similar to an e-Wallet system, is being introduced for Postbank clients to ensure continuous access to funds.
The transition from gold Sassa cards to new black Postbank cards has been plagued by logistical failures and poor coordination between the social-grant agency and Postbank.
Beneficiaries across the country have reported standing in queues for hours, only to be turned away without assistance.
The deadline for the transition was recently extended from Friday 28 February 28 to Friday 20 March, after a widespread public outcry. For beneficiaries, government’s assurance is set to offer some relief. The implementation of the cardless withdrawal service and other interventions will be closely monitored.
