'You cannot bribe a computer' - Home Affairs launches new partnership with banks
The Department of Home Affairs has officially launched its digital partnership with the banking sector, described as one of the most significant reforms in the department's history.
Minister Leon Schreiber says the new model eliminates the need to travel to Home Affairs offices.
“Under this new digital partnership model, you don’t need to make any booking ahead of time. You also don’t need any documents with you because we are using biometric technology to verify your information without the need for any paperwork,” Schrieber explained.
Applicants simply visit a participating bank branch, provide fingerprints, look into a camera for a photo, sign their application, and pay the fee.
“Within five to ten minutes, your application is complete. At this stage, you can return to collect your Smart ID from the same branch, or eventually choose courier delivery to another address,” he added.
The first phase focuses on South Africans who still have the green barcoded ID book, as well as those needing replacements for lost or stolen Smart IDs.
“This is aimed at people who want to transition to this more secure Smart ID, or who need a replacement,” Schreiber said. “No bookings required, no documents required. It’s a fully digital process.”
Schreiber highlighted the security advantages of the new system, which uses biometric verification linked to the population register.
“The previous system was not secure. Wherever you have manual processes or paperwork, there is potential for manipulation. That’s gone now. You cannot bribe a computer,” he said.
Participating banks, including Standard Bank and Capitec, are already live, with more branches expected to join as the rollout continues.
“Instead of forcing everyone to travel to a single office, we are decentralising access, bringing these services much closer to communities where people already go for banking,” Schreiber said.
Home Affairs plans to expand the programme to hundreds of bank branches this year and eventually to 1,000 branches by 2029.
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