THE Department of Home Affairs recently formed a partnership with major banks to allow South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards directly within bank branches, aiming to significantly cut down the long queues and waiting times commonly experienced at traditional government offices.

Also read: Department of Home Affairs extends trading hours

This digital collaboration is described by the department as among the most transformative changes in its history. It allows applicants to complete secure Smart ID applications in just five to 10 minutes at participating banks, using integrated digital systems that remove the need for paperwork or pre-booked appointments.

Changes coming

This initiative is part of a wider reform strategy called Home Affairs @ home, designed to modernise civic services by leveraging digital platforms to make them more accessible to communities. Rather than traveling to one of the Home Affairs offices, citizens can now access these services at local bank branches, which is expected to reduce overcrowding and administrative pressure on government facilities. The department has explained that banks connect directly to Home Affairs through a secure digital gateway, enabling real-time processing of applications within the familiar environment of the bank.

At the launch, nine bank branches began offering the service, with plans to increase. Early participants include Capitec Bank and Standard Bank, while First National Bank is nearing the completion of its testing phase. This new approach moves away from the former system where banks hosted mini–Home Affairs offices that still required clients to apply online beforehand and visit branches primarily for biometric data collection. Instead, the updated process handles everything, from application submission to processing, entirely within the bank’s infrastructure, delivering a more streamlined experience.

Also read: Residents, driving schools protest at Rossburgh Licensing Centre

The target

The service will target residents who still own green ID books as well as those who are applying for a reissue of a Smart ID card. The department estimates that around 16 million South Africans still use the green ID book, which is identified as one of the most commonly defrauded documents on the continent.

The government aims to have around 1 000 participating branches nationwide by 2029, aligning with its Medium-Term Development Plan.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the launch is a significant advance in reshaping public service delivery.

“By embracing digital transformation, we are redefining what public service delivery looks like in the modern age. 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,” said Schreiber.

As the programme expands across the country, more branches are expected to come on board.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.