Big announcement for banking customers over Smart IDs and passports

While Home Affairs inefficiencies are discouraging South Africans from applying for their smart IDs and passports, South Africa’s big banks are planning to more than double the current amount of branches that offer the service.

Long queues, extensive wait times, and the associated costs have left many unwilling to make the transition from the green barcoded ID book to the newer, more secure smart ID.

However, a recent development offers a glimmer of hope: South Africa’s major banks are stepping in to alleviate some of these challenges by expanding the availability of eHomeAffairs services at their branches, with plans to more than double their current footprint.

The reluctance among South Africans to apply for smart IDs stems from frustration with Home Affairs’ inefficiencies.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, citizens voiced concerns over the daunting experience of visiting Home Affairs offices.

Compounding these logistical challenges is the perception that the cost of the smart ID, currently R140, is unwarranted.

Many argue they should not have to pay for a document upgrade mandated by the government.

“They changed the system, so they need to give me the first one for free,” said one interviewee, a sentiment echoed by many others.

Despite these reservations, the Department of Home Affairs continues to urge citizens to switch to smart IDs, emphasising their advanced security features.

Unlike the green ID booklet, which has been the primary form of identification in South Africa for 44 years, the smart ID card is far more resistant to forgery.

The department has reported no instances of manipulation or reproduction of the smart ID, highlighting its potential to curb identity theft and fraud.

Fraud remains a pressing concern in South Africa.

A 2024 report by Smile ID revealed that 34% of Know-Your-Customer checks flagged fraud cases involving the green ID book.

The good news is that major banks are stepping up to facilitate access to smart IDs and passports, reducing the reliance on Home Affairs offices.

Absa, FNB, Discovery Bank, and Nedbank have confirmed plans to expand their eHomeAffairs services, effectively bringing these services closer to communities.

FNB, for instance, aims to add 18 branches to its existing seven, with a focus on provinces currently lacking representation.

Similarly, Absa has 12 additional branches ready for activation, while Nedbank is reviewing insights from its pilot sites to guide a broader rollout.

Discovery Bank, the newest entrant in offering eHomeAffairs services, plans to open four new locations in key urban areas, including Century City in the Western Cape, Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal, and Pretoria in Gauteng.

These expansions will double the current number of bank-enabled branches from 30 to 64, significantly increasing accessibility for citizens.

However, not all banks are moving at the same pace.

Standard Bank, for instance, has adopted a cautious approach, opting to evaluate the viability of the public-private partnership (PPP) model over the next 6–12 months before committing to expansion.

Encouraging more South Africans to adopt smart IDs is crucial in combating fraud and ensuring safer, more secure identification.

With banks taking an active role in this transition, the hope is that the barriers preventing citizens from upgrading their IDs will gradually diminish, fostering a more secure future for all.

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