SA Bank Strike – In a shocking development that has sent panic through millions of grant recipients, South African banks are set to go on a nationwide strike from July 4 to July 12, 2025. This unprecedented action is expected to cause a complete halt in all SASSA grant disbursements, affecting Child Support Grants, Older Person’s Grants, Disability Grants, and the R350 SRD Grant. The government has issued an urgent directive confirming alternative arrangements, including emergency payment dates and contingency measures to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds on time. The planned industrial action, led by the National Banking Workers Union (NBWU), is in protest over wage disputes, staff retrenchments, and poor working conditions. With all major banks including Capitec, Standard Bank, FNB, and ABSA participating, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has acknowledged that payment systems will be disrupted. SASSA beneficiaries are now urged to check their updated payment schedules, switch to Postbank or retail payment points, and monitor their status regularly to avoid delays. The Department of Social Development has partnered with Postbank, Boxer, Pick n Pay, and Shoprite to provide emergency cashouts and avoid total chaos. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Is the SA Bank Strike Happening?
This strike is a coordinated action involving over 80,000 bank workers across the country.
- Bank unions demand a 12% wage increase vs 5% offered
- Retrenchments and job cuts triggered union backlash
- Staff complain of long hours, no overtime, and poor safety
- Negotiations with Banking Association of SA failed in June
- NBWU issued a formal 7-day strike notice on June 26
- Banks to halt all internal operations from July 4–12
- ATMs, digital banking, and SASSA-linked withdrawals to be suspended
Key Banks Affected and Duration by SA Bank Strike
All major banking institutions and ATMs will be impacted during the strike.
| Bank Name | Services Affected | Date Range of Disruption | Alternate Options Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec Bank | ATM, Branch, SASSA pay | July 4–12 | Postbank, Retail Cashouts |
| FNB | ATM, Online, Cards | July 4–12 | Post Office, Boxer Stores |
| ABSA | ATM, Cards, Transfers | July 4–12 | Pick n Pay, Shoprite |
| Standard Bank | ATM, POS, Transfers | July 4–12 | Postbank only |
| Nedbank | ATM, Digital Banking | July 4–12 | Limited via Boxer/Shoprite |
| TymeBank | Retail ATM Access | July 4–12 | Not Available |
| African Bank | ATM, POS | July 4–12 | Not Available |
| Postbank | Not Affected | Active | Fully Operational |
SA Bank Strike – What Does This Mean for SASSA Grant Beneficiaries?
Millions of South Africans dependent on monthly grants must now adjust to new payment dates and collection points.
- All SASSA card payments via bank ATMs will be paused
- Beneficiaries must visit Postbank or authorized retailers
- SRD R350, Older Persons, Disability, and Children’s grants affected
- SMS notifications to be sent with new payment dates
- Online SRD status checks to show revised payout windows
- Post Offices may experience long queues – arrive early
- Mobile vans to be deployed in rural areas by July 5
SA Bank Strike – Emergency SASSA Payment Dates by Grant Type
Here’s the updated emergency schedule released by SASSA for July payouts.
| Grant Type | Original Date | Emergency Date Range | Payout Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | July 3 | July 5 – July 6 | Postbank, Shoprite |
| Disability Grant | July 4 | July 7 – July 8 | Boxer, PnP |
| Children’s Grant | July 5 | July 9 – July 10 | Postbank, Retailers |
| SRD R350 Grant | Rolling Basis | July 6 – July 12 | Postbank, Cash Vans |
Where Can You Collect Your Grant Now?
SASSA has activated its alternate channels to ensure beneficiaries are not left without support.
- Postbank branches: Open across all provinces during strike
- Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer: Emergency cash pickup points
- Mobile Pay Vans: Will operate in Limpopo, EC, KZN rural areas
- SASSA-approved agents: New list available on srd.sassa.gov.za
- SMS Alerts: Will confirm when and where to collect payment
Documents You Need to Carry
Make sure to bring the correct documents to avoid rejection or rejections.
| Required Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SASSA Card or SRD Ref No. | For grant verification |
| South African ID Book/Card | Identity confirmation |
| Mobile Number Registered | To receive OTP or SMS alerts |
| Bank Decline Proof (if any) | If moving to Postbank |
| Medical Cert (Disability) | For disability grant reactivation |
How to Switch to Postbank or Retail Payouts
If your usual bank is affected, here’s how to change your grant collection method.
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and click “Update Banking Details”
- Choose Postbank or Retail Cash Pickup
- Enter ID number and SASSA Reference Code
- Submit your new method and wait for SMS confirmation
- Use SMS code at new payment point to withdraw funds
Important Note on SRD R350 Grant
R350 beneficiaries who previously used Capitec or FNB must urgently update their payment method or risk delays.
- Switch before July 2, 2025 to avoid missing July cycle
- Postbank payments will continue uninterrupted
- Those with no changes will be defaulted to Postbank
SASSA’s Official Response and Support Measures
SASSA and the Department of Social Development are coordinating rapid response efforts to manage the crisis.
- 120 mobile vans to serve high-risk, remote zones
- Call centers to work extended hours (7am–8pm)
- Field workers deployed for disability/elderly support
- Queue marshals assigned at major retail partners
- Food voucher distribution in select rural communities
- Live payment status checker updated hourly
Safety Advisory for Grant Recipients
Due to the strike and redirected payments, safety risks are higher at cash pickup points.
- Avoid large crowds or nighttime collections
- Beware of scammers posing as SASSA officials
- Never give out your OTP or SASSA PIN to strangers
- Use secure transport or accompany vulnerable recipients
- Report payment fraud to SASSA hotline or nearest police
What If You Miss Your Payment Window?
SASSA confirms missed July payments will be rolled over to the August cycle.
- Delays will not result in forfeiture of your grant
- Updated status will show “Re-Issue Pending” on SRD portal
- You can still collect once Postbank is operational
In the midst of this nationwide banking crisis, SASSA is working round the clock to ensure the most vulnerable citizens do not suffer. Beneficiaries are strongly advised to switch to Postbank or authorized retail pickup points immediately, carry their ID and SASSA cards, and stay alert for SMS notifications. While this strike may cause temporary disruption, emergency measures are in place to protect and deliver the lifeline that millions depend on.
FAQs of SA Bank Strike
1. Will I lose my SASSA payment due to the strike?
No, missed payments will be re-issued after the strike or redirected to Postbank.
2. How can I change my banking details for SRD R350 grant?
Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and follow the “Update Banking Details” option before July 2.
3. Can I use my Capitec ATM during the strike?
No, all major bank ATMs will be shut down from July 4 to July 12.
4. Will Post Offices be open during this time?
Yes, Postbank branches will remain fully operational.
5. What if I haven’t received any SMS from SASSA?
You can check your grant status manually at srd.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.