South Africans will soon no longer have to endure unbearably long lines after the Department of Home Affairs announced a groundbreaking partnership with Capitec, FNB and Standard Bank that will allow for bank users to – among other services – apply for Smart IDs.
The announcement was made by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber at Capitec’s Head Office in Stellenbosch on Tuesday (12 August).
Schreiber said that through this partnership his department seeks to lighten the load on Home Affairs offices.
He said it all forms part of the department’s aim to entirely eradicate the old green ID books.
Applications for Smart IDs can soon be made on the two banks’ mobile apps or inside branches at no additional cost.
Users will only be charged the required Home Affairs fees.
“Over the next few months the people of South Africa will reap the first harvest of the fruit of reform.
“I want to thank the leadership of Capitec to be the first to commit not only to this project in general but specifically to equip 100 bank branches with this functionality by early next year – I understand the target is to grow this figure to 300 by June 2026,” Schreiber said at Tuesday’s launch.
Schreiber said that through the partnership the locations where South Africans can access Home Affairs services will nearly be doubled.
“Once these services are stable we will work together to enable South Africans to apply through the digital banking apps that they use every day. We will add the ability to apply for a passport and we will also introduce home-delivery,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of this partnership in minimizing fraud and corruption.
“The most urgent security risk we currently have is the green paper-based ID book. The sooner we can phase out the green ID book that in itself will be a massive improvement in security.
“We want to remove human discretion. You can never give a guarantee on security as long as someone has the subjective ability to make a decision. This entire system is based on biometrics and identity is verified against the National Population Register.
“Simply put: instead of relying on a person to verify that you are who you say you are, with all the fraud risk that goes with it, we will now use our upgraded Online Verification System to confirm your identity.”
Group CEO of Capitec Graham Lee said the bank will in no way benefit monetarily from the partnership.
“We will not add on any additional margin. The fees as charged by Home Affairs will be passed on. We are merely raising South Africans’ awareness of us.”
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