South Africans eager to handle Home Affairs business at their local bank branches will need to temper their expectations – at least for now.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed that its new partnership model with banks will initially cover only smart ID card applications and reissues.
Passport services will come later.
A phased approach at bank branches
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber revealed this phased approach in response to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Noluvuyo Tafeni, Mybroadband reported.
He said the first rollout will focus on replacing old green ID books and issuing smart ID cards, a move that signals the government’s ongoing push to modernise identification systems.
“The initial scope of bank-assisted services includes smart ID card re-issues, including the replacement of green ID books,” Schreiber said.
“The integration platform and workflows are being designed to also support passport applications and collections.” he added.
That means South Africans will not be able to apply for or collect passports at banks just yet. Those services will form part of phase two of the programme, once the technical systems linking banks and Home Affairs are fully developed and tested.
More banks get on board with Home Affairs
The DHA’s partnership model with South Africa’s banks aims to make it easier and faster for citizens to access key identity services without visiting traditional Home Affairs offices, which are often plagued by long queues and limited capacity.
Participating banks will effectively become satellite Home Affairs branches, handling digital applications and biometric verification on-site.
The department is gradually expanding the list of banks and branches participating in the initiative. Once the full rollout is complete, the system is expected to dramatically cut waiting times and ease pressure on Home Affairs offices across the country.
Still, for now, the focus is firmly on smart IDs. If you’re looking to renew your passport, you’ll have to wait a little longer before banks can handle that, too.
