Big digital ID push in South Africa

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the first phase of South Africa’s digital identity system will be built over the next 12 months.

In a statement following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 6 February 2024, the Minister said this would include building the first components of the digital ID system to eliminate identity fraud and enable access for all “at a touch”.

“As the custodian of all identity, civics, and immigration services, Home Affairs is the linchpin for the digital transformation of government,” said Schreiber.

“Our five-year vision to deliver Home Affairs @ home, as announced in September last year, is built entirely around the digitalisation and automation of all services and processes in alignment with the President’s announcement.”

Other targets during the digital identity system’s first phase include launching a modern Electronic Travel Authorisation system to automate tourist and short-stay visas.

Home Affairs also aims to implement the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to boost tourism from markets like China and India.

During his address on 6 February, Ramaphosa said he wants to transform access to government services in South Africa, with the development of a digital identity system being at the centre of his plans.

“As we work to reform the public service and build the capability of the state, we will harness technology to transform the way government works,” he said.

“We will invest in digital public infrastructure to give South Africans access to government services, anytime, anywhere, through a relaunched gov.za platform.”

“At the heart of this transformation will be the implementation of a digital identity system,” The President added.

Ramaphosa hopes that the changes will transform the relationship between government and citizens. He also wants to make government services “accessible to every person at a touch”.

He also revealed that this transformation would include launching a revamped gov.za platform.

Never queue at Home Affairs again

Schreiber said modernising processes at the Department of Home Affairs will help eliminate identity fraud and enable South Africans to access its services without having to step foot in a Home Affairs branch.

According to Smile ID’s 2025 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa report, South Africa’s green ID book is far more susceptible to fraud than the smart ID card.

“In South Africa, the transition from traditional Green Book IDs to Smart ID cards is gaining momentum, with the latter offering enhanced security features to combat identity fraud,” Smile ID said.

“While progress is underway, the report’s findings emphasise accelerating digital ID adoption to mitigate vulnerabilities.”

Schreiber agrees. He previously said that his department can only eliminate the opportunity to commit identity fraud by moving away from manual, paper-based processes that require human intervention.

However, doing so would also pave the way for a fully digital Department of Home Affairs and enable citizens to access its services from their homes.

Establishing a digital identity system is central to this, with Schreiber alluding to such a system in his initial announcement about Home Affairs @ Home.

He explained that the department plans to build an end-to-end digital platform to handle all applications, adjudications, and communications between South Africans and Home Affairs.

If done right, this will eliminate the need for in-person visits to Home Affairs premises. It will also enhance the work environment for staff, enabling them to focus on more productive and exciting tasks.

“This would include devoting our staff to serving those who truly need it most,” said Schreiber.

“Including the poorest members of our society, people in rural areas, the 10% of South Africans who don’t yet use smart devices, and those exceptional or complicated cases that require more resources to resolve.”