The first phase of the closure of SASSA Post Office cashpoints in February 2024 has already been confirmed by Postbank. But no one seems to know that, with a clear lack of communication to help the country's neediest citizens…
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Quoting Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako, The Citizen reported that February will indeed be the first month of SASSA post office cashpoint closures. The South African Social Security Agency's payments from February 2 to 24 mark the first stage of efforts towards a complete shutdown by April 2024.
Sassa Post Office Cash Point
A Post Office spokesperson said that from March 1, recipients will no longer be able to withdraw cash from any Post Office branch. However, non-cash services such as card reinsurance, PIN reset, and statement printing will continue to be provided in March.
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It is understood that SASSA Post Office Cashpoints are still serving around 500,000 subsidy recipients. 870 Cashpoints will be closed from now until April. Here's the breakdown by state:
- Eastern Cape – 277
- Free State – 26
- Western Cape – 0
- Gauteng – 6
- Northern Cape – 13
- Northwest – 96
- Limpopo – 216
- Mpumalanga – 53
- KwaZulu-Natal – 183
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Although affected beneficiaries represent only 2% of those receiving social grants, there is still much confusion about what alternative measures they should take. The SASSA Grant Card works like a bank card and can be used across all National Payment System (NPS) channels. These include Boxer, Pick n Pay, Spar, Shoprite, Usave, Checkers and most bank ATMs.
massive confusion
So far this month, reports have been circulating in the media of widespread confusion among beneficiaries. Many people in rural areas don't know where they'll get their next grant. You will have to come up with additional travel expenses, and ATM safety is never guaranteed. Bank ATMs also require a level of technological literacy that many grant recipients struggle with.
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The majority of seniors and people with disabilities are reluctant to migrate to the new NPS channel because they believe the post office is a safe and reliable option for accessing their money, the Citizen said. states. Postbank and SASSA claim to be conducting a national communication regarding SASSA Post Office Cashpoints. This includes post offices, social media platforms, radio announcements, and community engagement. Unfortunately, the message doesn't seem to be getting through to the people who need to hear it.
Need help?
- Call SASSA toll free: 0800 60 10 11.
- Or call: 012 400 2322.
- Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
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