The Department of Home Affairs has reached a significant milestone in its digital transformation drive, with 110 bank branches now offering Smart ID services nationwide.
According to the South African Government News Agency, the department has surpassed its target of rolling out its Digital Partnership Model to 100 bank branches by the end of March.
The expansion includes 77 branches from Capitec Bank, 30 from Standard Bank, and the first three branches from First National Bank, which recently joined the initiative.
In just three weeks, the addition of these service points has increased access to Smart ID services by 44% compared to the existing 248 Home Affairs offices nationwide.
More than 25 000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through participating bank branches, with the system handling applications at a rate of more than one per minute.
Through the new model, citizens can replace a green ID book or a lost Smart ID in as little as five minutes at participating bank branches, significantly reducing travel time and long queues.
The initiative forms part of the HomeAffairs@home reform programme, aimed at creating a modern, digital-first system that brings services closer to where people live.
The process requires no prior booking or paperwork and is secured using advanced fingerprint and facial recognition technology, helping to reduce fraud and eliminate manual processes.
Following the early success of the rollout, Home Affairs is on track to meet its Medium-Term Development Plan target of expanding to 1 000 bank branches by 2029. The rollout will continue in phases to maintain system stability and service quality.
Additional banks, including Absa Bank and Nedbank, are currently testing the system and are expected to join once trials are complete.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the progress reflects the impact of innovation-driven reforms.
“The rapid pace at which Home Affairs is fixing long-standing problems shows the value of embracing digital transformation,” he said.
Schreiber added that future developments will include first-time Smart ID and passport applications, courier delivery of documents, and services integrated into digital banking apps.
He said the expansion would not only improve access but also allow Home Affairs officials to focus on complex services such as late birth registrations and documentation in underserved communities.
“This is how we are delivering dignity for all,” he said.
Existing Home Affairs offices and mobile units remain available, while the department continues to expand its digital service footprint.
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