Social grant recipients who have not moved over to the new Postbank cards may face disruptions when trying to access their funds.
The Department of Social Development said beneficiaries would also not be able to use the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) gold cards to make transactions, even if there is money in the account.
According to Postbank CEO, Nikki Mbengashe, after the March 20 deadline, recipients will not be able to use their Sassa gold cards to buy or withdraw funds inside shops.
"Retailers would not accept the cards for any transactions, and any attempts will result in automatic system transaction declines. Beneficiaries would also not be able to use SASSA gold cards on any ATM. The SASSA gold may be swallowed when inserted in any ATM to attempt a transaction," she said.
She added that Postbank will continue replacing Sassa gold cards with new Postbank black cards in all its card replacement sites, even after this date.
What about my April grant payment?
Recipients can still collect their April grant monies.
Mbengashe explained that with April payments, scheduled for April 3 - 5, grant recipients can withdraw their funds from their nearest Post Office. They will need to carry their ID cards or documents with them for withdrawals.
"Beneficiaries are urged to note that the Post Office branch payments will be restricted to social grant beneficiaries that are yet to replace their Sassa gold cards, asylum seekers and Postbank green Mzansi/blue cards’ grant beneficiaries," the CEO said.
Where to get your Postbank black card
The new Postbank black cards can be obtained at various retailers, including Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer. To receive a new card, beneficiaries need to present a valid South African ID or a temporary ID.