SASSA Blames Technical Glitch for Non-payment to Gold Card Beneficiaries, “Mothers Are Livid”

• The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries using gold cards were unable to withdraw their funds
• Glitches were experienced at South African Post Office (SAPO) outlets that affected customers who attempted to make over-the-counter payments
• Interim Postbank CEO Lucas Ndala said IT teams had been tasked to resolve the technical challenges affecting customers

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is working on the issues that led to the non-payment of beneficiaries using gold cards.

The agency apologised to those unable to withdraw their grants at post offices. Glitches were experienced at South African Post Office (SAPO) outlets that affected customers who attempted to make over-the-counter payments, deposits, and withdrawals.

The services could be accessed through retail outlets that provide a cashback option.

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Interim Postbank CEO Lucas Ndala said every service interruption is taken seriously, TimesLIVE reported.

He said IT teams have been tasked to resolve the technical challenges affecting over-the-counter branch transactions. Ndala encouraged customers to use retailers and ATMs as alternatives.

The service said its gold cards function fully within the national payments system, similar to any other bank card, according to News24.

Citizens react to the glitch:

Charlene Tineal Wepener said:

“They should apologise to those that they lying to about getting alternative income.”

Olga Masonti commented:

“I thought maybe I was punching the incorrect pin… I tried thrice and failed. I even kept on checking the balance as well and there was nothing.”

Mcusi Ndlunkulu Yako Dlamane posted:

“Ohk we hear they are apologising neh... so when are they going two fix the glitch in their system.”

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Aisha Lindiwe Mathanda wrote:

“Not just at the post office, even ATM are not withdrawing money for Sassa gold card holders. Mothers are livid.”

Charles Mekgwe added:

“Very sad and frustrating.”

Sassa issues warning against fake R700 grant to lend a “helping hand” circulating on social media

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has cautioned citizens about an application form for a R700 grant that is doing its rounds on social media.

The agency labelled the post “fake” and said it was not from Sassa. The hoax post said the grant is available for people aged 18 to 35 who need a “helping hand” from the government.

Taking to Twitter, Sassa said it did not send out the message and asked citizens to ignore and delete the post.

Source: Briefly News