‘Don’t worry’: Pule assures millions their social grants are safe

Pretoria – Newly appointed Social Development Minister Dina Pule has assured South Africans that social grant payments will continue without interruption, despite the ongoing migration from the SASSA gold card to the Postbank black card.

“I want to assure the people of South Africa, especially South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries, that they must not worry. They will receive their grants on time,” Pule said, adding that beneficiaries only need to switch cards and that the process “will never affect their grants.”

She urged beneficiaries to remain calm, saying grants would continue to be paid into their chosen bank accounts every month.

“Beneficiaries should remain calm. Their grants will continue to be paid into their accounts every month,” she said. Pule also noted that the new payment system and biometric verification would improve efficiency and strengthen the integrity of the grant system.

Looking ahead to her first 100 days in office, Pule said her priorities include implementing the department’s strategic plan, strengthening internal systems and improving service delivery.

The department administers an annual budget of about R300 billion and provides social assistance to around 28 million South Africans.

She also identified substance abuse and child trafficking as key priorities, saying government is expanding prevention and rehabilitation programmes while working with the Border Management Authority to protect children from exploitation.

“We are dealing with people, public funds and vulnerable communities. That requires integrity, accountability and mutual respect,” Pule said, reaffirming the department’s commitment to protecting and supporting South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.