Resolution of SASSA Beneficiaries’ Access to Social Grants via Postbank Gold Cards
Technical Glitch Hinders Pensioners’ Access to Grants
On Tuesday, 5 September, a technical glitch left South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries, particularly pensioners, unable to access their social grants. This unexpected disruption prompted concerns among those reliant on these grants for their livelihood.
Restoration of Access for SASSA Beneficiaries
Fortunately, Postbank swiftly addressed the technical issue, ensuring that SASSA beneficiaries holding Postbank-issued gold cards can once again access their social grants. In an official statement, Postbank announced that the technical difficulty affecting these beneficiaries has been successfully resolved for all ATM and Post Office branch transactions.
Immediate Access to Social Grants
Postbank’s statement clarified that SASSA customers with the Postbank-issued gold cards can immediately utilize ATMs and Post Office branches to access their social grants. This development offers much-needed relief to those who depend on these grants for their essential expenses.
Reversal of Debit Transactions and Timeframe
For those beneficiaries who attempted withdrawals during the technical issue, Postbank is actively working on reversing the funds debited from their accounts due to the system error. Beneficiaries are advised to exercise patience during this process, as the reversal of funds is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours. Bongani Dako, spokesperson for Postbank, emphasized the importance of allowing time for this crucial financial adjustment.
Challenges with Retail Transactions
While progress has been made in resolving the issue for ATM and Post Office branch transactions, Postbank’s technical teams are still addressing intermittent challenges related to transactions conducted within retail establishments. Efforts are underway to restore these transactions to full capacity, ensuring that SASSA beneficiaries can access their grants seamlessly through all available channels.
Validity of Postbank SASSA Gold Cards
It’s crucial to note that the technical challenges experienced by grant recipients are unrelated to the validity of the Postbank SASSA gold cards. These cards remain fully valid for accessing social grant payments, even if they display an expiry date. Postbank assures beneficiaries that the cards will remain effective for this purpose until they are replaced by the bank. This commitment underscores Postbank’s dedication to supporting the financial well-being of SASSA beneficiaries during these challenging times.
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