eHomeAffairs online user authentication system issues

[Daniel Puchert]

Problems with smart ID card and passport renewals at banks

Smart ID card and passport renewals at bank branches via the eHomeAffairs service have generally received high praise for being fast, efficient, and convenient.

However, several users of the service have recently complained about problems with its online user authentication system and potential capacity issues due to the small number of bank branches supporting the service.

 

[Anthro]

I was at the Canal Walk FNB to enquire about some DHA services the other day.
"Oh sorry Sir, I know it shows we are a DHA enabled Branch - but that closed down"

 

[Bad Ballie]

DHA fails again, or should that be as usual. Been a lot of big talk, but my experience was wasting a payment and 3 months of my life trying to get a bank booking. Eventually had to re-book for a DHA office, which I must admit was a lot faster and more organized then I expected. The Problem is I am now into my 4th month of waiting with the DHA still showing that my ID is being processed. I am starting to think I wasted a second payment and more of my time. Oh the help line number they provide is never answered, and I say that over 50 attempts in, and multiple emails that are also never answered.

 

[NarrowBandFtw]

I was at the Canal Walk FNB to enquire about some DHA services the other day.
"Oh sorry Sir, I know it shows we are a DHA enabled Branch - but that closed down"

where does it show FNB Canal Walk is a DHA enabled branch?

not listed on either DHA or FNB's websites as such:

Department of Home Affairs - BANK BRANCHES

The DHA is custodian, protector and verifier of the identity and status of citizens and other persons resident in South Africa. This makes it possible for people to realize their rights and access benefits and opportunities in both the public and private domains. By expanding these services to...

www.dha.gov.za

Branch

FNB in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs has launched the application of Smart ID and passport to the public.

www.fnb.co.za

DHA does still list FNB Portside which I believe is incorrect, only FNB Greenpoint has DHA
in Canal Walk specifically the Standard Bank branch is DHA enabled

 

[NarrowBandFtw]

several users of the service have recently complained about problems

none of those problems are new btw

your only hope is to try early in the morning:
- when the system gets busy OTPs get delayed or never arrive
- the calendar only allows you to book within the next 30 days, so each morning there is one more day available for bookings, you need to be early and quick to ensure you grab it

 

[MuterOfWorlds]

none of those problems are new btw

your only hope is to try early in the morning:
- when the system gets busy OTPs get delayed or never arrive
- the calendar only allows you to book within the next 30 days, so each morning there is one more day available for bookings, you need to be early and quick to ensure you grab it

Wife been trying since Jan for booking.
This 30 day limit makes absolutely zero sense.

 

[NarrowBandFtw]

Wife been trying since Jan for booking.
This 30 day limit makes absolutely zero sense.

yeah it's stupid, I think what likely happened in the past is people just booked up all slots for multiple months in advance, clogging the system and potentially even resulting in lots of no-shows and frustration among customers that couldn't get a slot for multiple months into the future

instead of addressing the root cause they just implemented this forced 30 day only thing, previously you could manually enter a date further into the future even though the date picker didn't allow it to get around the 30 day limitation, but they "fixed" that workaround

 

[MuterOfWorlds]

yeah it's stupid, I think what likely happened in the past is people just booked up all slots for multiple months in advance, clogging the system and potentially even resulting in lots of no-shows and frustration among customers that couldn't get a slot for multiple months into the future

instead of addressing the root cause they just implemented this forced 30 day only thing, previously you could manually enter a date further into the future even though the date picker didn't allow it to get around the 30 day limitation, but they "fixed" that workaround

There are ppl advertising booking service, R300 per a person, per booking.

Whats the bet they clogging the system as is already, with the 30days calender regardless.

How do they even get a booking where ordinary citizen cant

 

[Bunta]

Applied for a passport renewal in Jan. Tried to get a biometrics booking at Home Affairs in Town Via their BABS system. Could not. tried for 2 months.
Only did this because the only ABSA in the WC that has a H.A. facility is in Stellies.
Eventually made a booking at Stellies ABSA 3 weeks ago.
Walked in there yesterday at 9h50 (appointment was for 10-11).
Walked out at 10h10.
And there were 2 people ahead of me in the "queue".
Rather spent that 45mins drive each way, than stand in those queues at Home Affairs office.