Cape town: Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza announced that the department achieved a record-breaking issuance of Smart ID cards during the 2025/26 financial year, while advancing efforts to digitize civic records and enhance access to services nationwide.
According to South African Government News Agency, Nzuza presented during the Home Affairs Budget Vote Debate in the National Assembly, emphasizing the department's progress as part of a shift toward a modern, efficient, and citizen-centered Home Affairs system. He highlighted that the current budget reflects the benefits citizens gain from these transformations, underscoring the necessity of organizational culture change for meaningful progress.
Nzuza reported that over four million Smart ID cards were issued in the 2025/26 financial year, surpassing the department's target of 2,750,000, marking the highest single-year output in its history. The department has also significantly increased first-time Smart ID issuances from 622,539 in the 2020/21 financial year to 1,032,327 in 2025/26. This growth is attributed to expanded mobile office services and community outreach programs that enhance access in rural and underserved areas.
The digitization of civic records stands as a major reform initiative, with over 60 million records digitized and an additional 25 million targeted for 2026/27. This initiative aims to build an efficient and accessible state, capable of responding swiftly and effectively to citizens' needs. Despite this progress, Nzuza acknowledged ongoing staffing and budgetary challenges.
Early Birth Registration efforts have also exceeded targets, with more than 680,000 babies registered within 30 days of birth, surpassing the annual target of 677,000. Plans are underway to automate birth registration processes at health facilities in the 2026/27 financial year to improve security and efficiency.
The department's mobile offices made over 6,300 visits, exceeding their annual target, and provided services to schools and vulnerable communities. Notably, the program aided communities affected by disasters, offering free replacement of lost identity documents.
Passport services have improved, with the department surpassing targets by issuing 98.72% of passports for minors within 18 days and 96.32% of adult passports within 13 days. These services are also being expanded to South Africans living abroad.
Nzuza urged citizens to collect their identity documents ahead of the 2026 local government elections, emphasizing that identity is integral to their voice and freedom. The department remains committed to supporting free and credible elections through collaboration and efficient service delivery.
A culture change strategy is being implemented, focusing on ethics, innovation, and citizen-centered services. Over 2,861 officials have completed digital literacy training, surpassing the target. The department has also established virtual training hubs and launched e-learning modules, with a focus on improving gender parity and disability representation at senior management levels. Nzuza reaffirmed the commitment to transforming Home Affairs into a high-performing institution serving all people with dignity.