It is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, yet for many SASSA grant beneficiaries it has become a nightmare. The suspension of ATM withdrawals for SASSA beneficiaries by Postbank is unacceptable, especially just before this important time of the year.
We call on national Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, to intervene and find a solution to this problem as a matter of urgency.
We’ve received numerous complaints and seen various news reports of Postbank-issued SASSA gold cards not working. According to reports, the months of technical failures is due to criminal elements attacking Postbank’s network. Rather than fix this long-running problem, Postbank suspended ATM withdrawals for December while it deals with the problem. This is outrageous!
Beneficiaries using these SASSA gold cards have been asked to withdraw their social grants at retail outlets that provide the cashback functionality. But our office has received numerous complaints from beneficiaries and ward councillors that even this has been a failure.
It is unfathomable to think that a national agency can fail so dismally time and time again. How was this issue of criminals infiltrating the network only picked up now, after months of technical problems? No timeframes have been given to beneficiaries as to when the issue will be resolved, leaving many in limbo.
The flagrant disregard displayed by SASSA and National DSD to the plight of many vulnerable citizens, is deeply disturbing. We need bold, decisive leadership to resolve this crisis.
SASSA is a national entity and we the Western Cape Government, will continue putting pressure on our national counterparts to do all they can to resolve the plight of the most vulnerable in our province.
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer
Office of MEC Sharna Fernandez
Department of Social Development
Tel: 084 775 2975