Since the recent launch of the eHomeAffairs portal, more than 35,000 Smart ID Card and passport applications have been received, said Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba.
Adult citizens of all ages can now apply via the online system.
“As at 23 August 2016, a total of 35,751 applications have been submitted through the system, of which 50% has been finalised to date. Online applications are making a huge difference in the time spent in queues.
“In April, in the first month following the launch, we were at 4,088 online applications,” said Gigaba.
‘Adult citizens of all ages can now apply via the online system.’
Paper to Digital
As part of Home Affairs’ transition to digital, they launched eHomeAffairs on April 7th, 2016.
In order to enhance the quality of their services and the lives of South Africans, the department would proceed to completely embrace digitisation, said Gigaba.
How it works is: you first download the e-application form, fill it out, pay electronically and book an appointment to finalise the process at your closest bank branch. You need to be 16 years or older to apply for your ID via the portal.
When eHomeAffairs was first launched in April, only citizens between 30 – 35 years old could apply for Smart ID Cards and passports online.
‘The system is now open to all citizens who bank with the four banks’
Countrywide Roll Out
“As from today, the system is now open to all citizens who bank with the four banks – ABSA, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank.
“Currently, 12 branches of these banks are connected to the system in Gauteng, with one branch in Canal Walk (Standard Bank) in Cape Town,” said Gigaba.
Although currently only available at participating banks in the Western Cape and Gauteng, government is getting closer to finalising a public-private partnership that will lead to the Smart ID Card system being rolled out across the country, he said.
“While most of these branches are centralised in Gauteng, plans are apace to enter into a public-private partnership with participating banks, hopefully to be finalised in October this year, to increase our footprint in the provinces, thus allowing for more South Africans to access the online service.”