Cape town: Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber announced a significant expansion in the access to Smart ID replacement services, with a 47% increase achieved within just two months, thanks to a new digital partnership with banks. The Minister outlined plans to further extend the service to 750 bank branches by the end of 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, Schreiber, during the Home Affairs Budget Vote in the National Assembly, highlighted the transformative impact of digitalizing the longstanding partnership between Home Affairs and the banking sector. "After only eight weeks, a total of 167 bank branches across South Africa now offer Smart ID replacement services, with more branches going live every week," Schreiber noted. This fully digitalized application process allows citizens to apply for IDs in as little as five minutes without the need for prior bookings or paperwork, effectively eliminating long queues and minimizing opportunities for fraud through biometric technology.
Schreiber reported that 118,434 Smart ID applications have been processed under the new system, primarily for replacing lost cards or transitioning from the Green ID book. This initiative is crucial for migrating the estimated 16 million South Africans still using Green ID books to the more secure Smart IDs. Additionally, the Minister announced plans to introduce first-time Smart ID and passport applications via the banking platform, along with a new doorstep delivery service for IDs and passports.
The department's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has also made significant strides, processing over 75,000 applications since its introduction, with nearly 4,500 illegitimate travellers blocked. The ETA system, initially rolled out for tourists from China, India, Mexico, and Indonesia, uses advanced biometric and machine learning technologies to ensure quick visa processing and enhanced border security.
Draft regulations for a new Digital Identity system have been published for public comment, forming part of the Home Affairs @ home programme aimed at enabling citizens to access services remotely. Schreiber invited stakeholders to comment on these draft regulations to establish a suitable regulatory framework for this initiative.
In a bid to tackle corruption, Schreiber highlighted ongoing efforts resulting in numerous dismissals, arrests, and convictions within the department and the Border Management Authority. The Home Affairs department conducted 10,700 enforcement inspections last financial year, surpassing its target, and facilitated nearly 110,000 deportations over two years.
Furthermore, the Border Management Authority has embarked on a R12.5 billion public-private partnership to rebuild South Africa's six busiest land ports of entry. This initiative is complemented by the recently approved Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection, introducing a 'first-safe-country' principle for asylum seekers.
Lastly, Schreiber announced an additional R1.1 billion allocation for the Independent Electoral Commission to prepare for upcoming local government elections slated for 4 November 2026. The Home Affairs budget for the 2026/27 financial year stands at R13.8 billion, with allocations for subsequent years outlined as well.