In the quest for convenience, South Africans have long awaited a more straightforward way to apply for and receive their Smart IDs and passports. Currently, this service is limited to just 30 branches across central banks, but change is on the horizon.
A Pilot Program Poised for Expansion
After a successful pilot program, the Department of Home Affairs is gearing up to expand these services. With the pilot set to conclude by March 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, has shared promising news. Backed by The Banking Association of South Africa, 40 bank branches are preparing to join this innovative venture.
Eight Years of Progressive Service
Since its inception in 2015, the eHome Affairs pilot with banks has transformed how South Africans interact with government services. By allowing banking customers to book appointments and process documents digitally, the need to visit a Home Affairs office is becoming a thing of the past.
The Impact So Far
With over 3.5 million South Africans already utilizing these services through the bank branch system, the program’s effectiveness is clear. The initial plan was to add 43 new branches by March 2023. Despite delays and an extension to September 2023, the commitment to expand remains unwavering.