Banking on your new ID

Issuing of smart cards streamlined

Home Affairs has partnered with major banks in a deal that will allow people to apply and collect their smart ID cards at their nearest branch. Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said yesterday the deal was part of the department’s plans to expand its footprint and make it accessible to all citizens.

Gigaba and Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane were briefing the media in parliament to expand on issues raised by President Jacob Zuma in his state of the nation address.

Gigaba said First National Bank and Standard Bank had signed a memorandum of understanding with his department to start piloting the project from April.

Talks with Nedbank were at an advanced stage, while Absa Bank was the only bank that had not made a commitment.

The department would set up kiosks in branches that would accept applications and issue the smart ID cards.

“A person will be able to go to a Home Affairs kiosk within the bank and submit their application,” Gigaba said.

“They will take their biometric photograph, automated fingerprints and electronic signature, and that is compiled into an electronic package and deposited at Home Affairs.