Resolving Payment Glitches | Grant Beneficiaries Return to Post Office Queues.South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) beneficiaries faced renewed queues at post offices as they awaited their payments on Thursday, following a government assurance that payment issues had been resolved.
Payment Delays
Originally scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, the disbursement of older persons’ and disability grants was delayed due to technical complications arising from Postbank, affecting primarily those relying on post office collections.
Postbank Response
Postbank’s spokesperson, Bongani Diako, reported that the problems associated with Postbank Sassa gold cards had been successfully addressed for all ATM and post office transactions by Thursday. Consequently, Sassa customers utilizing these cards could once again access their social grants via ATMs and post office branches.
Extended Queues Expected
With all beneficiaries slated to receive their payments on Thursday, post office queues are anticipated to lengthen, despite previous efforts to stagger grant distribution to prevent long waiting times.
Ongoing Retail Challenges
While issues at post office branches and ATMs have been resolved, Diako acknowledged ongoing challenges with withdrawals at select retailers. Postbank continues to apologize for any inconvenience caused and assures customers of regular updates.
Card Validity Clarification
Diako emphasized that the technical problems were an isolated occurrence and unrelated to the validity of Postbank Sassa gold cards. These cards remain a viable means of accessing social grant payments, even if their expiry dates have passed, until Postbank replaces them.
Alternative Payment Channels
Some grant recipients who have their payments directly deposited into private bank accounts reported no disruptions in their access to funds.
@Postbank_ZA restores SASSA payment services #SocialGrantPayments #SASSA @GovernmentZA @The_DSD @nda_rsa @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/c51CnVAwM0
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) September 7, 2023
