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The DA is calling for immediate action from the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, and relevant stakeholders regarding the recent changes in the distribution of SASSA grants that are causing significant distress among beneficiaries, particularly older persons.

The phased withdrawal of cash distribution by Postbank and Post Offices has led to many SASSA grant recipients being turned away, as the transition from SASSA gold cards to the new Postbank black cards has not been effectively communicated. This lack of information has left vulnerable individuals uncertain about how to access their grants.

While the SASSA gold cards remain valid for use - even after their expiry until the end of the year - this critical detail seems to not have reached the staff at Post Offices or the beneficiaries who rely on these services. We are deeply concerned about the potential hardships this may cause, especially for those already facing financial challenges.

Moreover, the shift to participating retailers like Pick ’n Pay and Boxer stores presents additional barriers. Many SASSA beneficiaries find it difficult to travel to these locations, often incurring high transport costs that further strain their limited resources. The Post Office has traditionally been the most accessible option for grant distribution, and its removal exacerbates the challenges faced by our communities. The access to grants is already spread out over a few days after the end of the month, which beneficiaries have expressed their concerns about as it messes up their debit orders - so to be further inconvenienced in this manner is adding salt to the already festering financial wound.

We are taking action by formally writing to the Minister of Social Development and other key officials to ensure that:

• Clear, timely communication is provided to both Post Office staff and SASSA beneficiaries about the validity of SASSA gold cards and the transition to Postbank black cards;
• Appropriate measures are implemented to support grant recipients and ensure they are not turned away when seeking access to their funds; and
• Alternative solutions are explored to improve access to grant distribution points, particularly for those facing transportation challenges.

In the meantime, we encourage grant recipients to consider opening accounts with reputable banks to facilitate smoother transactions.

We urge the Minister to prioritise this issue and work towards a resolution that ensures all SASSA beneficiaries receive the support they need without unnecessary barriers.

Issued by Bridget Masango MP - DA Spokesperson on Social Development