Major news for people with a green ID book and Home Affairs services
The iconic South African green ID book might soon be a thing of the past...
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 it anymore.
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In 2024, there has been much speculation surrounding the continued use of the green ID book and whether it will soon be completely phased out.
Not too long ago, The South African (ETV News) shared a video in which Minister Aaron Motsoaledi urged citizens to upgrade to the card.
According to BusinessTech, the Department of Home Affairs wants to remove the use of barcoded ID books to limit widespread ID fraud and identity theft.
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South Africans have been encouraged to make the switch, but many are not up for dealing with Home Affairs.
Home Affairs has long been associated with long queues, poor service, and, of course, "the system is offline".
New developments could soon make it much easier for South Africans to apply for the smart ID card and access other Home Affairs services.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has recently unveiled a new five-year strategic vision for his department.
The aim is to have the department undergo a digital transformation to make it easier for citizens to obtain what they need from Home Affairs.
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This new approach is called 'Home Affairs @ home', and Schreiber wants to offer most services to people online.
This hopefully means that South Africans will be able to renew their passport and apply for a new Smart ID online instead of visiting the office in person.
A secure platform linked to biometrics will be launched for people seeking civic services such as obtaining or replacing an ID.
The good news is that Smart IDs, passports, and other documents will be sent directly to the person.
Over the next five years, all of the department’s services must become fully automated, digitised, and offered online.
The government has been promoting the use of Smart IDs and hopes to reach its goal of issuing 2.5-million in 2024/2025.
Unfortunately, the process is not going as fast as they had hoped, meaning the green book will most likely remain valid for many more years.
So if you still have your little green book, you might be able to wait until the new online system is active and then apply for the Smart ID.
If you want to avoid Home Affairs, you can also get a new Smart ID at a bank branch.
There are currently 30 branches that offer this service and the number is set to double.
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Main image courtesy of Matthew de Lange / iStock