THE Department of Home Affairs has announced that contrary to the news on social media yesterday, there is no cut-off date for South Africans to get their smart card IDs.
They said in a statement a message purported to be from the Department of Home Affairs announcing that the lifespan of the green barcoded ID book comes to an end on 31 March 2018 was false.
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Mava Scott, spokesperson for the minister said that they have identified this as fake news and no such announcement has been made by the Department.
“We wish to make it clear that the green barcoded ID book remains a legal form of identification and will continue to be until such time that the Live Capture System is rolled out to all Home Affairs offices to enable South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards at their nearest offices,” said Scott.
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The Department said it had developed a plan to systematically phase out the green ID book and ultimately consolidate the restoration, common citizenship, identity and dignity to South Africans.
Scott said it calls on South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards at any of the 180 offices that are equipped with the Live Capture System.
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, visit ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel.
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