Simphiwe Phakathi
For some time now, social grant recipients have had to deal with a few challenges that have led to confusion and stress about how they’ll get access to their grant payments. Long queues, delays, occasional card failures, missing payments, and other challenges have become a part of life for many social grant recipients; but now there’s a real chance for things to improve – grant recipients have the power to make a change.
Customers are reminded to choose the right partner to help meet their financial needs
Recently, SASSA confirmed the non-renewal of the Postbank contract and assured beneficiaries of continued grant payment via their bank of choice. That means every grant recipient now has a choice of how they want to receive their SASSA grant every month. This is a big step forward because it gives grant recipients the freedom to pick the payment partner or bank that works best for them.
Financial inclusion means grant recipients have options and access to solutions that really work for them
South Africa has a strong and trusted banking system. More than 80% of adults in the country already use it to manage their money, receive their salaries, wages and pensions, and make payments. Our banks are safe, they work well, and now there’s the opportunity for grant recipients to use them and make receiving and managing their grant payments easier than ever. Banking partners like EasyPay Everywhere are working hard to deliver relevant services that customers really need, through face-to-face traditional channels and through new, easy to access digital services.
This positive change is not just about having a banking account, it’s about putting power back in the hands of the people and giving them the dignity and peace of mind that comes with making their own choices – finding the right solutions that work for them.
This is also not about banks trying to take over from government when it comes to grant payments. Their job is just to process the payments, which then gives SASSA more time to focus on making the grant payment process run smoothly, while supporting grant recipients whenever they need help. When government services and banking players work together in this way, everyone wins.
New digital channels make access to financial products and services even easier
Best of all, making this positive change is very easy. If you are a grant recipient, you don’t even have to go to a bank branch to get started. Most banks now offer simple ways to open an account online, and you can use mobile banking, apps, or ATMs to make payments or withdraw your money when you need it. If you don’t have a smartphone, that’s no problem – most banks also allow you manage your money using simple USSD codes on any mobile phone.
EasyPay Everywhere is a good example of this digital ease and convenience being brought to wider audiences. When you sign up for an Easypay Everywhere banking account, you get a full range of useful features and services. Not only do you receive your grant money straight into your account, safely and on time every month, you can check your balance anytime for free, and if you have questions, you can speak to a helpful EasyPay Everywhere consultant on the phone. Best of all, when you have your grant paid into an EasyPay Everywhere account, there’s no more waiting in queues every month, no more wondering if you will get your money, and no more worries about having to carry a lot of cash on you once you get your grant – because it’s all safely held in your banking account– ready for you to access whenever you need it. For your safety and convenience, you’ll get an SMS notification to let you know about transactions on your account. EasyPay Everywhere customers also have access to a wider range of financial solutions beyond just banking and daily transacting, including access to loans and funeral cover options.
The history of our country has shown us that when people act together, they can create change. Right now, millions of grant recipients have the chance to choose a better, safer and more stable way to get their grants and access a wider set of financial solutions.
Choose to partner with a trusted banking partner, one that puts you first and gives you the service and peace of mind you deserve.
Simphiwe Phakathi, Executive Head at EasyPay Everywhere. He writes in his personal capacity.
