Document2 of 2 opportunities in this document openMedia statement

Sassa August Payments Without Major Incident

GCIS / SAnewsRef: https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sassa-august-payments-without-major-incident

Official source

Source domain: sanews.gov.za

Collected on 28 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

This SAnews article reports that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) August 2018 social grant payment cycle proceeded at pilot sites without major incidents. Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu says the South African Post Office (SAPO) made 100% cash payments at its pilot sites and that system optimisation prevented glitches after issues in the July cycle. The article also explains that SAPO piloted taking over cash grant payments at pay points from Cash Paymaster Services (CPS), which is scheduled to expire at the end of September following a Constitutional Court direction, and provides guidance for beneficiaries using new SASSA cards.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

financial access toolOngoing

New SASSA card access and benefits

Beneficiaries can use the new SASSA card to make three free cash withdrawals at points of sale, one free withdrawal at a Post Office per month, free swipes at participating retailers, access to all VISA-accepted ATMs, and enjoy protection against unauthorized deductions. The card uses a PIN for verification instead of biometrics.

Who it is for: social grant recipients with new SASSA cards
How to act on it: Use the card at ATMs, participating merchants, or Post Office locations to withdraw funds using a PIN

Show the line this came from

Amongst the benefits is that grant recipients are entitled to three free cash withdrawals at points of sale, one free withdrawal at the Post Office per month, free swipes at points of sale, the card is accepted by all ATMs displaying the VISA sign, and no unauthorized deductions will be allowed on the new SASSA card.

Facts

Places

Gauteng

Reference

https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sassa-august-payments-without-major-incident

Key Takeaways

Date of announcement/article: Thursday, 2 August 2018
Subject: SASSA August payments without major incident at pilot sites
SAPO made 100% cash payments at all its pilot sites
1 August 2018 milestone: SAPO piloted takeover of cash payments at pay points from CPS
CPS contract expiry: end of September (per Constitutional Court direction)
July payment cycle had technical glitches; August system optimised to handle transaction volumes
Beneficiaries with new SASSA cards redirected from pay points to ATMs/participating merchants
New SASSA card verification: PIN (no biometrics); pay points use fingerprint verification
New card benefits: three free cash withdrawals at points of sale, one free Post Office withdrawal per month, free swipes, VISA-accepted ATMs, no unauthorized deductions
SASSA contact: toll free 0800 60 10 11; inbox SASSA on social media
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
South African Post Office (SAPO)
Cash Paymaster Services (CPS)
Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu
Constitutional Court
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) toll free line 0800 60 10 11
Inter Ministerial Committee
Sedibeng area (Gauteng)
ATMs
VISA