Connect with us

411

Record-Breaking Rollout of Smart IDs in South Africa: DHA Surpasses Targets, More Bank Branches to Offer Services

Published

on

In a remarkable achievement, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is setting new records in the issuance of Smart IDs across South Africa. With an ambitious target for the 2024/2025 financial year, the DHA is on track to issue a groundbreaking 3.6 million Smart IDs — a massive 1 million more than initially planned. This achievement follows a series of initiatives aimed at improving access to vital identification documents for South Africans.

Surpassing Targets and Driving Efficiency

The DHA’s commitment to digitalizing services is bearing fruit, as it continues to exceed its quarterly targets. In the first quarter of the 2024/2025 fiscal year, over 970,000 Smart IDs were issued, surpassing its target of 575,000 by an impressive 69%. In the second quarter, more than 895,000 Smart IDs were issued, marking another significant overperformance. These results have been driven by increased efficiency and expanded access to services.

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber attributed the success to the department’s tech-first approach, as well as the growing collaboration with banks, malls, and mobile units. These partnerships have made it easier for citizens to obtain their Smart IDs through conveniently located service points.

“This overperformance inspires us to work even harder to ensure that all qualifying South Africans are able to obtain their Smart IDs by the end of 2025,” said Schreiber.

A Promising Future for Smart ID Accessibility

The DHA’s plans for the future include a significant expansion of Smart ID service points. Currently, the Department’s collaboration with a limited number of banks has proven effective, but the DHA aims to increase this to hundreds, if not thousands, of bank branches across the country. Schreiber emphasized that this expansion will help alleviate long queues at DHA offices and increase accessibility, particularly for residents in more remote areas.

“I want every village, town, city, and suburb in South Africa to have access to Home Affairs services in a local bank branch,” Schreiber remarked.

Bank Partnerships Expand Service Reach

Several major South African banks are already on board with this expansion. FNB plans to add 18 new eHome Affairs branches, while Absa is set to activate 12 additional branches. Discovery Bank is expanding its services by adding four locations in Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban. In total, the number of eHome Affairs branches will grow from 30 to 64, making it easier for South Africans to access the services they need.

A Tech-First Approach Pays Off

The Department’s initiative to integrate technology into its service offerings is proving to be a game-changer. The growing public confidence in the new approach to issuing Smart IDs and other vital services signals the success of these reforms. South Africans can look forward to even more streamlined processes and greater access to Home Affairs services in the coming years.

With record-breaking numbers on the horizon and a commitment to expansion, South Africa’s Smart ID program is well on its way to becoming more accessible and efficient than ever before.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com