Home affairs to roll out smart card ID’s

The Department of Home Affairs in the West Rand visited Palm Estates in Randfontein to engage in a discussion forum on 3 June.

This was to introduce the new Identity Document in the form of a smart card, which is set to be rolled out in July and is being hailed as another step in the fight against fraud and corruption.

According to Home Affairs District Manager of Operations in the West Rand and Sedibeng, Lerato Afilaka, the aim behind the smart cards is really to combat fraudulent activities as well as eliminate human errors in data capturing.

The smart cards will come equipped with a chip containing one’s personal details as well as fingerprints and signatures.

“The cards will be completely tamper proof and cannot be counterfeited.

“With the smart card initiative, we are adamant that those who operate in fraud will soon be out of business,” says Afilaka.

She explains that in order to obtain the smart card, one would have to apply for it at the Department of Home Affairs offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, or Soweto.

“One’s personal details will be stored into the system electronically and can always be updated on request.

“However, in order to update any information on the system, strict procedures are to be followed which will leave no room for error or tampering by corrupt officials.

“The department has also considered people with disabilities and they too will benefit from this.

“For instance, for those without limbs, we will use a system where we scan one’s iris for identification purposes,” says Afilaka.

She adds that citizens need not worry about the cost of the smart card as the Department will carry the costs of implementation.