South Africans no longer have to wait in long queues to apply for their Smart ID cards, as the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has partnered with banks to provide a more efficient service. 

On Monday, Capitec and Standard Bank went live with the system, while FNB is in the final stages of testing. 

According to the department, the system is fully digital and takes just minutes to complete, without requiring people to make a booking ahead of their visit. 

Embracing technology 

“By modernising and extending the existing technological integration between Home Affairs and the banking sector, known as the online verification service, the department is decentralising and dramatically expanding the number of secure and dignified service points available to citizens across the country,” the DHA says. 

Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, says that by embracing digital transformation, the department is redefining what public service delivery looks like in the modern age. 

“The fact that we have already reached this milestone after just 20 months in office means that we are on track to deliver on our goal to invert the principle of how government services work. Instead of forcing people to go to Home Affairs to endure long queues and manual processes, we are using technological security and efficiency to bring Home Affairs to the people, delivering access, inclusion and dignity for all,” he adds 

Improving essential services 

Funeka Montjane, the CEO of Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking, says the partnership reflects how collaboration between government and business can improve access to essential services. 

“Access to secure identity services is fundamental to economic participation. By working with the Department of Home Affairs, we are bringing these services closer to where people live and work, using infrastructure that communities already trust,” Montjane adds. 

Filling the gap for underserved communities 

Graham Lee, the group CEO of Capitec, says the bank’s work with the DHA was about enabling access for all. 

“An ID is a catalyst for economic participation. We serve close to half of South Africa’s adult population, and we know that time is our clients’ most valuable asset. By integrating Home Affairs services into our branches, we are using our scale and technology to shorten long journeys and help fill a real gap in underserved communities.” 

Applying for a Smart ID at a Capitec branch will cost customers R150, which includes a R10 logistics fee. 

The Citizen reported that FNB said it is on track to launch the Smart ID application services, and it will be made available to its customers soon. 
FNB, however, did not provide a date.  
 
Branches that have rolled out the Smart ID system: 

Capitec  

• Gauteng: Eyethu Mall, Orange Farm and Sandton City 

• Western Cape: Swellendam and Hermanus 

• KZN: Howick 

• Northern Cape: Kathu Village Mall 

• Limpopo: Matoks 

 Opened by tomorrow 

• Western Cape: Tygervalley, Stellenbosch, Vredenburg and Cape Town V&A 

• Eastern Cape: Jeffreys Bay and Fountains Mall 

• KZN: Pietermaritzburg 

Standard Bank 

• Gauteng: Maponya Mall, Westgate Mall, Rosebank and Soweto 

• Western Cape: Parow  

To find your nearest participating bank branch, and to be informed as more branches are activated, visit www.dha.gov.za/banks. 

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