For the past couple of weeks, a message has been circulating on social media that the lifespan of the green barcoded ID book will come to an end on 31 March next year.
The department of home affairs said this was not true and that the ID books will remain a legal form of identification until the Live Capture System (LCS) is completed.
Spokesperson Mava Scott said, “No such announcement has been made by the department. The department has developed a plan to systematically phase out the green ID book and it remains a legal form of identification and will continue to be until such a time that the Live Capturing System is rolled out to all Home Affairs offices to enable South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards.”
Mafa urged citizens to apply for smart ID cards at any of the 180 offices that are equipped with the LCS.
“In addition, the department has established a partnership with FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank and Absa to create an online portal where clients can lodge their application without visiting a home affairs office.”
To apply for their smart ID cards, citizens can visit www.ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel
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