The South African Postbank (SAPO) has officially confirmed that Sassa gold cards will remain valid beyond 31 May 2025, ending months of uncertainty for millions of grant beneficiaries. This follows a statement by Sassa earlier this week, announcing the indefinite extension of the gold card validity.
Gold Cards Will Continue to Work
The latest announcement brings relief to social grant recipients who rely on the Sassa gold card to access their monthly payments.
“Postbank is pleased to inform social grant beneficiaries that Sassa Gold Cards will continue to work beyond 31 May 2025,” the statement read.
Beneficiaries can continue to use their gold cards at ATMs, retail stores, and point-of-sale (POS) machines just as they always have.
What About the Postbank Black Card?
While the gold cards will remain active, Postbank reaffirmed its long-term goal of transitioning beneficiaries to Postbank black cards. However, the rollout of the black cards has been temporarily suspended, and no explanation has been provided for the sudden halt.
“Postbank notifies the beneficiaries that it has put a temporary suspension on the distribution of new Black Cards at its sites until further notice.”
Despite this, Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe assured that:
“Gold Cards will continue to work until every beneficiary is transitioned to the new black card.”
Postbank Black Cards Still Work
For those who have already received the black Postbank card, there’s no need to worry. Postbank confirmed that all black cards remain valid and can be used without issue.
“This, however, has no impact on anyone who currently has a Postbank Black Card, as that card will continue to work as per normal.”
A Timeline of Confusion and Relief
Over the past year, grant beneficiaries have been left uncertain about the future of the gold card:
- Late 2023: Sassa announced a plan to phase out gold cards in favour of black Postbank cards.
- Early 2024: Gold cards were said to expire by February 2025.
- March 2025: An extension was granted, pushing the expiry date to end of May 2025.
- April 2025: Postbank’s black card rollout was abruptly suspended amid pressure from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to ensure continued access for beneficiaries.
Now, with the indefinite extension in place, all Sassa gold card users can breathe easier.
What Beneficiaries Should Know
- Sassa gold cards remain valid until further notice.
- You can continue using your gold card at all payment points — ATMs, shops, and POS machines.
- Black card holders will not be affected and can continue using their cards as normal.
- No new expiry date for gold cards has been announced yet.
- All grant payments will be processed as usual, with no disruption expected.