We are deeply concerned about the ongoing challenges facing SASSA beneficiaries due to the phase-out of SASSA gold cards with Postbank Black card replacements. Despite the extension of the validity of the SASSA gold cards over the past few years and SASSA urging beneficiaries to move to bank cards, many beneficiaries have still held on to their SASSA gold card. The final extension of this card is due to end on 28 February 2025. Postbank has offered a replacement card to beneficiaries still wanting to retain the benefits of the SASSA gold card.

10 February 2025 –Black Sash acknowledges President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the commitments made to address critical socio-economic challenges facing South Africa.

Cape Town, Tuesday, 4 February 2025, UBIC Statement: The landmark ruling by the High Court in the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant case makes it particularly important for Cabinet, and the President in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, to clarify government’s position on the improvement and expansion of the SRD Grant, and plans to transition it to a system of basic income.

Cape Town, Tuesday 4 February 2025.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA), Black Sash demands decisive action to tackle South Africa’s worsening social and economic crisis. Millions of people continue to struggle under the weight of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and failing public services. Government cannot afford to deliver another speech filled with vague promises and empty rhetoric—concrete action is needed now.

Cape Town, Friday 31 January 2025.
Black Sash congratulates the Institute For Economic Justice (IEJ) and #PayTheGrants(#PTG) on the recent court ruling on the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. This landmark decision is a victory for the millions of vulnerable South Africans who rely on this crucial support to meet their basic needs.

Cape Town, Thursday 16 January 2025.
Black Sash welcomes the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire on January 15th which is the first phase of the deal reached between Hamas and Israel on Wednesday which includes a pause in the war and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody.

Cape Town, Thursday, 21 November 2024: Black Sash is concerned about the recent declaration of a National Disaster by the National Disaster Management Centre due to the tragic consequences of poor food safety practices in South Africa.

Cape Town, Thursday, 19 September 2024: Black Sash is concerned about the recent report by the Auditor General to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Parliament that the Social Security Agency of South Africa (SASSA) has under spent its budget by R4 billion on Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants during the 2022/23 financial year.

Cape Town, Tuesday 30 July 2024: On 25 July, 2024, the leaders of the South African member churches in the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) came together in Cape

Cape Town, Monday 24 June 2024: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has intensified its efforts to exclude people from accessing the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, citing