'Blocked' Sassa cards and life policy deductions: Kimberley beneficiaries seek answers

A NUMBER of South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) beneficiaries in Kimberley have been unable to withdraw their December social grants after their cards were reportedly blocked.

A group of beneficiaries said they were directed by Sassa and Postbank to an agent operating from a Shoprite supermarket to process new Sassa cards.

“We were assisted by a Postbank agent from Bloemfontein who continually told us that the system was offline. Some of our cards were swallowed by the ATM machines. After taking down our personal details, we noticed that life policies were taken out in our names and we do not know who the beneficiaries are,” they said.

They added that R195 was being deducted from their social grants every month without their permission for the life policies.

“Neither Sassa, Postbank, nor the police are able to assist us, as we were informed that the agents are not approved. We have seen other agents operating in Roodepan and Ritchie.”

Beneficiaries pointed out that the grants should have been paid at the beginning of the month.

“We have been waiting in long queues all day for assistance.”

Sassa Northern Cape senior manager of communications, Lungelo Mkamba, encouraged beneficiaries to visit any local Sassa office to confirm whether their grant is active or prioritised for renewal.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all affected beneficiaries receive assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible, and that any issues are resolved without delay,’ Mkamba said.

“If the beneficiary uses a personal bank account, they can visit their bank to find out why the card was blocked or swallowed by an ATM.”

He added that those using a Postbank card could obtain assistance at Shoprite in Kimberley.

“Postbank beneficiaries were correctly advised to consult the agent based at Shoprite, since this is the only service point in the area. Postbank does not have staff members at Post Offices or Sassa local offices.”

Mkamba reminded beneficiaries to visit a local Sassa office for their grant review to complete the process as soon as possible to avoid payment delays.

“A payment delay or grant review does not result in a card being blocked.”

He explained that the Sassa system was intermittently offline on December 8–9 due to technical issues.

“Sassa and Postbank teams continue to provide assistance during the festive season and beyond.”

Mkamba added that Sassa was not affiliated with any other financial services provider.

“No agent is authorised to open policies on behalf of beneficiaries without their explicit consent. If a beneficiary sees an unauthorised deduction, they should visit their nearest Sassa office with a sworn affidavit explaining why they want the deduction removed.”

He pointed out that Sassa could assist in stopping the deduction from the grant, but could not provide any refunds.

“However, only the insurer can cancel the policy itself, so the beneficiary must also contact the insurer directly.

“Unauthorised deductions are not allowed and beneficiaries are encouraged to report suspected fraud to the South African Police Service. 

“Beneficiaries should not sign any documents that have not been clearly explained or that they do not fully understand. Beneficiaries are further encouraged to protect their personal information, including ID numbers, bank details and grant-related documents,” he added.