Banks in South Africa are planning to open more branches to facilitate access to Home Affairs services for citizens seeking smart ID cards. The move aims to ease the process of obtaining the biometric ID cards, which have been plagued by inefficiencies and long queues. The Department of Home Affairs is transitioning from old barcoded green identity booklets to the new smart ID system. This shift aligns with the country’s digitization efforts and aims to provide better ID services.
The banks’ plan to expand their services is in line with the government’s budget plan announced last year. The goal is to reduce the number of citizens queuing at traditional Home Affairs offices. Home Affairs aims to issue at least 2.5 million smart ID cards within its 2025 budget framework. The department plans to digitize all its services, including application processes for ID documents and passports.
