Do you still own a green SA ID book? Your days might be numbered...
There is a lot of speculation surrounding the classic South African identification document...
The green ID book has had a long run but it could be coming to an end pretty soon.
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If your book is looking worse for wear and has a few curled pages or water damage, then this might be the excuse you need to finally replace it with the smart ID card.
Close to 17-million South Africans still carry around the green book, but since its introduction over a decade ago, the smart ID card is becoming the new favourite.
The green book is still valid but Home Affairs does not issue them anymore.
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Now, there are rumours circulating that there is a major change coming to the system and sources believe it could be that the green book will be completely scrapped in the future.
In a video recorded and uploaded by The South African (ETV News), Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says an announcement will be made soon and he urges citizens to upgrade to the card:
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My Broadband has shared that 55% of South Africans have been issued smart ID cards.
If you are still on the fence, here are some benefits of the card:
- A microchip securely stores a citizen’s data. This includes biometric information like a photograph and their fingerprints.
- A “match on card” feature enables verifying biometrics with the microchip without connection to a central database, enhancing citizen’s privacy.
- Various visual features to prevent forgery
- Polycarbonate ID card body that is durable
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Main image courtesy of Laila Majiet