In the early hours of Thursday morning, over 1,000 elderly people gathered outside the Wynberg SASSA office in Cape Town, hoping to have their names recorded for the transition from the SASSA gold card to the new black Postbank card. Some of those waiting were nearing 90 years old, enduring long hours in the queue despite the challenges of age and health.
For 85-year-old Sheila Adams, the experience was exhausting. “What us elderly people must go through is not a nice thing,” she said, visibly fatigued after standing for hours. She spoke of the discomfort of standing on the pavement with no seating, and of feeling dizzy from the long wait. “I have been here since 6:15 am, and if it wasn’t for my daughter bringing me here in a car, I don’t know how I would have managed.”
Other elderly people shared similar frustrations. Jack Pontac, 80, from Retreat, had been bedridden for two months but felt compelled to walk from his home to Grassy Park. Only to be turned away when he arrived at the center. “I’ve been a servant of God for 80 years,” he said, describing how he walked from Grassy Park to Wynberg after being told the center was closed. He had arrived before 6 am, hopeful that his name would be recorded to ensure he could receive his pension by April.
These stories reflect the immense difficulties faced by many of the elderly, who now have to transition to the new Postbank Black Card before the 28th of February 2025. The deadline is fast approaching, and with it, a flurry of challenges for thousands of SASSA beneficiaries who must migrate from the old gold card to the new black card, which comes with enhanced security features and broader access to funds through ATMs, selected retailers, and online platforms.
Despite these promised improvements, the process has caused confusion and distress, especially for the elderly, who may struggle with travel or physical limitations. The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has urged SASSA to ensure that all beneficiaries have access to Postbank facilities to complete this migration, with a focus on minimizing any barriers to access.
In response to the growing concerns, the DA launched the “SASSA Switch” campaign. This initiative aims to assist SASSA clients in transitioning from the gold card to a bank account of their choice. Wendy Kaizer-Philander, the DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, said the campaign would help facilitate the process by bringing SASSA consent forms to various areas, ensuring vulnerable beneficiaries don’t get left behind. “Our efforts will try to make sure no one is left stranded,” she added.
As the clock ticks down toward the February 28 deadline, many hope that these efforts will alleviate the burden on vulnerable pensioners like Sheila Adams and Jack Pontac, who only wish to access their benefits without enduring unnecessary hardship.
