NKANGALA – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is facilitating the replacement of old Postbank cards at designated sites within the Nkangala region, including Boekenhouthoek, Bundu, and Machipe in Wards 24 and 7.
Thembisile Hani Ward 24 Councillor Bernard Mtshaise has played a significant role in bringing Easy Pay banking services to these areas. Mtshaise explained that he recognised the financial challenges, particularly for the elderly, who struggled to travel to bank branches for card replacements. As a solution, he engaged with bank officials, who agreed to assist the community.
Mtshaise initiated the program in 2023, initially aimed at helping Grade 12 learners open bank accounts for university preparation. The initiative has since expanded, with services now hosted every Tuesday to assist more residents. Mtshaise used community meetings and social media platforms to inform elderly beneficiaries about the services. So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries have received assistance in replacing their cards.
To accommodate residents with mobility or health challenges, Mtshaise and his team arranged home visits from service providers, ensuring that everyone received the support they needed. In addition to banking services, Mtshaise has collaborated with SASSA to bring their services to Bundu, Machipe, and Boekenhouthoek every Tuesday, allowing grant beneficiaries to access their grants without travelling long distances
Mtshaise has also partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to assist residents who cannot visit police stations for document certification or to report personal issues.
For those who missed previous opportunities, another session will be held at Machipe village on March 19, 2025. This will be the final session under the current programme, though Mtshaise is in talks with other banks to extend the initiative further. He encouraged residents to take advantage of such opportunities, saying, “Many times, we complain about a lack of service delivery. But when services are brought to us, we must make use of them.”
Mtshaise also urged the community to fulfil their municipal financial obligations. “Paying municipal tariffs is crucial because it contributes to improved service delivery,” he said.
During the week-long Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) from March 10 to 14 in the Victor Khanye Municipality, SASSA beneficiaries came in large numbers to be assisted with card replacements.
On March 14, 2025, Themba Matlou, Acting CEO of SASSA, announced that the deadline for replacing SASSA Gold Cards with Postbank Black Cards is been extended to March 20, 2025. Matlou stressed the importance of replacing old cards before the new deadline to ensure uninterrupted access to grant payments. He urged beneficiaries to visit their nearest Postbank site at retailers like Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer to obtain the new cards.
