The Department of Home Affairs has welcomed Absa as the fourth bank to offer smart ID applications through its Digital Partnership Model, extending the service to 296 branches across South Africa.

Twelve Absa branches went live on Thursday (16 July) with the capability to process smart ID applications, with a further 60 branches scheduled to join before the end of 2026. The bank joins Capitec, Standard Bank and First National Bank in providing the service.

Mobile service extends reach

Absa will introduce an innovative mobile component called Bank on the Move, which will bring Home Affairs services to communities beyond traditional branch locations. The department said further details about this innovation would be revealed at an official rollout event.

The mobile service forms part of the broader strategy to make smart ID applications more accessible to South Africans, particularly those in areas with limited access to government offices.

Strong uptake shows demand

More than 385 000 smart ID applications have been processed through the Digital Partnership since its launch four months ago, demonstrating significant demand for the service.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the figures showed South Africans were embracing the more convenient option. “Processing more than 385 000 smart ID applications in just four months demonstrates that South Africans are embracing a faster, more secure and more convenient way of accessing Home Affairs services,” he said.

The smart ID card is designed to replace the green barcoded ID book, which has been identified as fraud-prone. The card format offers enhanced security features and aligns with international standards for identity documentation.

Expansion targets set

Schreiber said the partnership’s rapid growth reflected the success of the department’s digital transformation vision. The minister confirmed plans to expand the Digital Partnership to 750 participating bank branches by the end of 2026.

“Under our Home Affairs @ home reform programme, which includes expanding our new Digital Partnership to 750 participating bank branches by the end of this year, together with innovations such as Bank on the Move, we are bringing secure and dignified access to smart ID services closer to where people live and work,” he said.

The initiative allows South Africans to apply for smart IDs at participating bank branches rather than queuing at Home Affairs offices, reducing waiting times and improving service delivery.

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