
Postbank has announced that the replacement of Sassa gold cards with new black cards will begin on 29 April 2026, with a strict deadline of 31 August 2026 for all beneficiaries still using gold cards. Failure to switch to the new black cards by this date will result in disrupted grant payments, as the gold cards will cease to function. Postbank’s chief commercial officer, Thamsanqa Cele, emphasized that this deadline will not be extended. Beneficiaries who have already migrated to the Postbank black cards do not need to take any further action. The black cards offer benefits such as three free withdrawals, one free card replacement, a free monthly statement, and protection against deductions and misuse of personal information. Beneficiaries can collect their new black cards for free at selected retail outlets nationwide, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Spar stores, by presenting a valid RSA ID or temporary ID. Cards can be collected in any province and work immediately upon issue, with any remaining gold card balance automatically transferred. To find the nearest replacement site, beneficiaries can dial 120355#. Postbank also issued a fraud warning, advising beneficiaries that a genuine Postbank Black Card will have "Postbank" written on the front and will not require forms to change the method of payment. For assistance, customers can contact Postbank on 0800 53 54 55. Further announcements will be made for those wishing to switch back to Postbank
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Must ReadPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola and appointed Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane as the acting national police commissioner. Masemola's precautionary suspension follows his appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. He faces four counts of contravening the Public Finance Management Act in connection with a R228 million South African Police Service health services tender awarded to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.
Must ReadThe ANC has issued a directive to its members regarding the 2026 local government elections, while secretary-general Fikile Mbalula maintains that the South African Communist Party SACP remains an ally, not an enemy. This follows the SACP's decision to contest elections independently, a position reaffirmed in 2024. Mbalula stated that the ANC's stance towards the SACP is not hostile and that the SACP will not be labeled an "enemy of the revolution." The ANC's National Executive Committee NEC reaffirmed that while dual membership with the SACP is constitutionally protected, ANC members cannot campaign against ANC-endorsed candidates. Members have 10 days to declare their campaigning intentions. Mbalula clarified that this is not an ultimatum and outlined a process for SACP members within the ANC to be excused from ANC election structures. He emphasized that "no communist shall be hunted in the ANC." Both Mbalula and ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane insisted the alliance remains intact, rooted in a shared history. Mokonyane acknowledged that the SACP has previously contested by-elections against ANC candidates, noting that competition does not signify the end of their relationship. Mbalula acknowledged the electoral risk posed by the SACP's independent contestation but stated the ANC cannot force the SACP's hand. He also reflected on the historical significance of SACP cadres to the ANC. Regarding a potential alliance between the SACP, EFF, and MK party, Mbalula d

The Democratic Alliance DA has filed criminal charges against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe for allegedly failing to declare two BAIC X55 SUVs she received from Chinese officials. The vehicles, valued at R400,000 to R500,000 each, were reportedly intended as donations for the ANC Women’s League ANCWL but were registered in Tolashe’s children’s names, with one allegedly sold. The ANCWL denies knowledge of the cars. This action by the DA follows similar charges laid by ActionSA last week. DA spokesperson Jan de Villiers stated that the situation presents two possibilities: either Tolashe personally received the vehicles and failed to disclose them to Parliament, or she fraudulently registered ANCWL-intended donations in her children's names to protect assets from ANC creditors. The Sunday Times reported that Tolashe met with the ANC’s integrity commission but did not provide a plausible explanation for the registration. The DA's charges include lying to Parliament and fraudulent registration of vehicles. The DA has also filed an Ethics Committee complaint and a Public Protector complaint against Tolashe regarding other matters, and has written to the president seeking clarification on the car donations. De Villiers emphasized the need for a full and independent investigation into the matter.
Must ReadMzwanele Manyi of the uMkhonto weSizwe MK Party has defended his party's proposal to repeal Section 235 of the South African constitution, which deals with self-determination. Manyi argues that the section is a "qualified clause, not a right" and that self-determination cannot justify racial or cultural exclusion. He believes the repeal aligns with South Africa’s transformation agenda and land reform commitments, while ensuring cultural rights remain protected. Manyi stated that the repeal is a "lawful, necessary and constitutionally sound step to eliminate constitutional ambiguity, prevent misuse and fragmentation; and consolidate a unitary, non-racial, democratic state." He also addressed comparisons between the Ingonyama Trust and Orania, stating that the Ingonyama Trust is a statutory mechanism for communal land administration and does not create sovereign territory or political independence. Joost Strydom of Orania, however, highlighted similarities in the communal factor and the recognition of unique cultural groups, arguing that it is inconsistent to recognize one group's right to territory and self-determination while denying it to another. Wynand Boshoff of the Freedom Front Plus criticized Manyi's interpretation of Section 235, arguing it is not provisional and that self-determination is an internationally accepted provision for multicultural nations.