Home Affairs launches Smart ID card pilot
NEWTOWN – Department of Home Affairs and the four local banks launch the Smart ID card roll-out.
South Africans will soon be able to apply for Smart ID cards at their respective banks without going to Home Affairs offices.
Minister of the Department of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba announced this at the launch of the Smart ID card roll-out pilot, at The Turnine Hall on 30 September.
Minister Gigaba said they have partnered with four South African banks for the pilot.
He said the department signed a memorandum of understanding with ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank for the pilot.
“As soon as our department is satisfied with everything, the Smart ID services from the banks will be open to the public,” said Minister Gigaba.
He said the main aim of the launch is to ensure that clients who have applied for Smart ID cards are able to receive them from respective banks.
“This is going to be a massive benefit for South Africa. We are also eliminating the old system of processing the Green ID books because it makes it easy for thugs to create fakes,” said Gigaba.
The Minister added that his aim is to transform Home Affairs into a paperless department and the outdated legacy system to digital.
“We want to convert the already existing green ID books to smart ID cards within a period of five years from now,” said Gigaba.
He also added said they are closing down the nest of corruption in the Home Affairs by introducing this new digital system.
The FNB Online Banking CEO Lee-Anne van Zyl said, “We believe our collaboration with government will help to protect our clients’ identity.”
Standard Bank Head of Retail Sbongiseni Ngudze said this partnership is important to the banks and government.
Related articles:
Home Affairs clarifies status of special permits for Zimbabweans
Department of Home Affairs forms partnership to improve service delivery
