The SASSA payment dates for the Old Persons and Disability grants fell on the 5th and the 6th of September respectively. However, technical glitches with the Postbank-powered cards rendered many beneficiaries unable to withdraw or transact at ATMs and various retailers. Some Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant recipients were also affected.
SASSA released a statement on social media assuring its clients that the issue has been resolved but some affected beneficiaries are still complaining a day after payments were due.
Postbank spokesperson, Bongani Diako said:
“Beneficiaries that have attempted withdrawals since Tuesday are urged to give this process some time before attempting any further transactions.”
SASSA Payment Dates for September.
Frustrated Beneficiaries Turned Away from Post Offices While Seeking SASSA Payment
While Postbank systems experienced challenges, it urged desperate grant recipients to seek assistance from the Post Office. But many South African Postal Offices across the country were closed, with only a few left open to attend to queues of beneficiaries.
In a previous public statement, Postbank apologised to impacted beneficiaries.
“Postbank deeply understands the inconvenience that this technical issue poses to our valued SASSA grant customers. We apologise unreservedly to all our customers.”
Frustrations were further aggravated by some beneficiary accounts being debited in error. In addition to Postbank attending to the technical difficulties, it promised to return the debited funds to owners within 24 hours.
Diako emphasised that the technical challenges experienced this week were an isolated incident and that Postbank SASSA Gold Cards remain valid. The fault happened because of a system migration error.