JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — With the August 31 deadline rapidly approaching, Simphiwe Phakathi, Executive Head of Lesaka’s Consumer Division, has issued a crucial clarification regarding the ongoing SASSA gold card migration. Phakathi confirmed that holders of the EasyPay Everywhere card are entirely exempt from the mandatory transition to Postbank black cards, aiming to dispel recent confusion among social grant beneficiaries.
The public clarification follows a broadcast segment on Thursday, August 27, during which PostBank Chief Commercial Officer Thami Cele made a final appeal to grant recipients to finalize their banking transitions. Currently, an estimated 80,000 beneficiaries have yet to complete their switch from the legacy SASSA gold cards to the new black cards. Urgency and confusion spiked when the EasyPay Everywhere card was inadvertently displayed alongside the SASSA gold card during the segment, sparking unnecessary concern among existing EasyPay users.
Addressing this directly, Phakathi explained that the EasyPay product functions as a fully operational Mastercard bank account. He noted that Lesaka proudly serves more than two million clients, the vast majority of whom are social grant recipients who already receive their funds seamlessly through the Lesaka EasyPay platform. Consequently, these individuals are not required to participate in the SASSA migration process.
Before diving into the logistical details, Phakathi took a moment to acknowledge a national loss, stating that the Lesaka community joins the country in mourning the passing of Zolani, extending heartfelt condolences to the family and the public.
For the remaining 80,000 individuals who still hold SASSA gold cards, Phakathi emphasized that the law guarantees their right to select any banking institution of their choice. He urged them to exercise this right within the rapidly closing window, cautioning against the habitual last-minute rush that typically accompanies these deadlines. While panic is entirely unnecessary, immediate action is essential.
To ensure a seamless transition, Lesaka has deployed extensive support networks. Beneficiaries can visit any of the company’s 240+ physical branches or utilize 400 newly established community pop-up sites. Recognizing that approximately 70% of the grant network consists of child support recipients who own smartphones, Lesaka has also optimized its digital assistance channels to meet users where they are.
Those seeking guidance can reach out via the official Lesaka EasyPay Facebook page, dial the USSD shortcode, or call the dedicated support line. These multi-channel touchpoints are designed to offer assistance in relatable, accessible languages, ensuring no one is left behind.
In his closing remarks, Phakathi issued a direct call to action: beneficiaries should visit their nearest EasyPay branch or outlet today or early next week to finalize their banking switch. By doing so, they can join the millions of South Africans who access their grants with confidence, while unlocking comprehensive financial services, including tailored lending and insurance products for their times of need.
