Social grant beneficiaries in South Africa will receive their payments as usual this week, according to SASSA CEO Temba Matlou. The assurance comes amid concerns about the agency’s partnership with Postbank and new verification procedures.
Matlou confirmed that approximately 28 million South Africans who rely on social grants—about 45% of the population—will receive their payments without disruption. This statement follows recent implementation of new biometric enrollment requirements and stricter income verification policies.
The SASSA CEO specifically addressed growing concerns about the agency’s relationship with Postbank, which currently distributes grants to about two million recipients through the Master Service Agreement. Matlou emphasized that Postbank is just one of several banking partners and that beneficiaries would not lose their grants regardless of changes with banking partners.
“It is business as usual for SASSA social grants,” Matlou stated. “We can emphatically state that no eligible beneficiary will lose their grant, irrespective of changes with our partners.”
The announcement comes after previous challenges with the transition from SASSA gold cards to new black cards, which caused widespread confusion and long queues at post offices earlier this year.
Matlou reminded beneficiaries that they have the option to change their payment method at any time if they have concerns about their current banking arrangements. The agency continues to work on ensuring reliable grant distribution to all eligible recipients.
