Smart ID cards at Nigel Home Affairs

NIGEL – After many years of using a green identity book with limited security features that permitted identity theft and fraud, South Africa has finally upgraded to what it calls a ‘smart ID card’.
The new card was launched on 18 July – the 95th birthday of Nelson Mandela at selected Home Affairs offices around the country which started the integration process for the public to apply for their new smart ID.
After systems and processes were upgraded at the Nigel Home Affairs offices in Northern Road earlier this year, the department received the go-ahead from head office to open their services to the general public for smart ID applications.
Priority was set to serve pensioners who are 60 years and older and first time applicants. Applicants who qualify for one of these two categories were not eligible to pay an application fee and receive their first smart ID at no cost.
According to Elna Liebenberg, assistant branch manager of the Nigel Home Affairs offices, the newly developed and implemented electronic system provides a high level of efficiency and sophistication.
“We have a standard operating procedure that saves both time and frustration for applicants. Once applicants arrive, we have them pay their application fee upon which they then receive a receipt which is used to allocate an application number we use to direct applicants through the process. Applicants who qualify for a free smart ID still need to visit the cashier on arrival in order to receive an application number and will then follow the same procedure all other applicants follow”, Elna said. “Applicants then have their photo taken in a photo booth and are then called by a front line officer to complete the online application form”, Elna added.
The small, credit card-sized piece of polycarbonate carries a lot of responsibility on its shoulders. Not only is it regarded as an example of refined and secure technology that will raise the level of identity management in South Africa, but also as a precursor to creating a paperless government.
“The department has not confirmed cut-off dates for members who qualify for a free smart ID (pensioners 60 years and older and first time applicants) since its introduction, but it is recommended that these members apply for their smart IDs as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment”, Elna suggested.
Smart ID cards are issued much quicker than the previous ID books and applicants are notified via SMS to collect their smart IDs.
“All applicants need is their green bar-coded identity books and R140. From thereon the process is simple and efficient”, Elna concluded.
For more information, phone the Nigel Home Affairs offices on 011 730 4300.
Nigel Home Affairs office hours are Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:30 and Saturday from 08:00 to 12:30 (collections only).