Zuma gets Smart ID card
JOBURG - President Jacob Zuma collected his Smart ID card from the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria on 30 July.
The new Smart ID was handed to President Zuma by the Minister of Home Affairs, Naledi Pandor.
After receiving his ID, Zuma visited the Government Printing Works, where he named the four Smart ID card printing machines in honour of struggle icons Sophie De Bruyn, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Rahima Moosa.
The naming ceremony was in honour of the historic women’s march to The Union Buildings in 1956, led by the four women, to demand an end to the pass laws and all apartheid regime restrictions.
Zuma said it was befitting that the identity document machines be named after stalwarts who fought for justice, human rights and dignity for all.
“We are thus truly pleased that this Government Printing Works now houses important equipment named after our heroines and leaders,” he said.
The first Smart ID cards were issued to senior citizens and struggle veterans, including Nelson Mandela on his birthday. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Ahmed Kathrada and former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and FW De Klerk were also recipients of the new ID cards, among others.
The current barcoded green ID book has limited security features and has been prone to fraud and identity theft.
The new Smart ID card has biometrics and other features that, for the first time, will enable individuals to prove their identity with 100 percent certainty.
This will prevent various forms of fraud, and will enable government and business to deliver services that are more secure, efficient and accessible.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Smart ID cards roll-out to the public will begin with first-time identity document applicants and senior citizens, while others outside the said criteria would be invited to the department’s offices according to their birth dates.
The Smart ID cards will cost R140, but will be free for first-time applicants.
