Eastern Cape grant beneficiaries urged to switch to black cards
EASTERN CAPE — 24 August 2026
Postbank has urged social grant beneficiaries to switch from SASSA Gold Cards to Black Cards before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
About 15,000 beneficiaries in the Eastern Cape still need to complete the migration.
Postbank says fewer than 80,000 beneficiaries across South Africa still need to make the switch.
More than 1.8 million beneficiaries have already moved to Black Cards.
Gold Card deadline is approaching
Postbank says the 31 August deadline will not be extended.
The bank has urged beneficiaries not to wait until the last day.
Beneficiaries who miss the deadline will not lose their grant money.
Postbank will still pay the grants into their accounts.
However, beneficiaries must first get a Black Card before they can access their money.
How to get a Black Card
The migration process is free.
Beneficiaries only need a valid ID or temporary ID.
They can visit a Postbank card replacement site at selected:
- Shoprite stores
- Checkers stores
- Usave stores
- Pick n Pay stores
- Boxer stores
- Spar stores
Beneficiaries can also dial *120*355# from any cellphone.
The service will help them find a nearby migration site.
Beneficiaries do not need to visit a SASSA office.
They also do not need to complete any forms.
Money will move to the new card
Postbank says the Black Card works as soon as the beneficiary receives it.
Any money on the Gold Card will move to the Black Card automatically.
Beneficiaries can then access their funds using the new card.
Postbank will also keep most card replacement sites open for a period after the deadline.
This will help people who miss the 31 August cut-off.
However, Postbank still wants beneficiaries to migrate before the deadline.
Eastern Cape beneficiaries urged to act now
Postbank has added more staff and support at card replacement sites.
The measures aim to help more beneficiaries during the final days of the migration.
Beneficiaries who still use Gold Cards should visit their nearest site as soon as possible.
For help, contact Postbank on 0800 535 455.
The deadline is 31 August 2026.
