Standard Bank leaves you stranded

I have lost my ATM card on an account I have had signing powers for over 20 years. I visited the Riverside branch to request a new card, and was told by the enquiry counter that they may not issue me with a card, as the person who's account it is, should be present. I have duly signed a form 14177 20 years ago, if not longer, and has been operating on that account since day one. Why have full signing powers if you may not operate on account?