22 Jul The Delayed Disappearance of the SA Green ID Book

The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) embarked on a plan in 2013 to replace the longstanding green ID books with advanced smart ID cards. These cards have a microchip to securely store biometric data like fingerprints and facial photographs.

The green ID books were initially planned for a phased rollout between 2018 and 2022, but the changeover has had significant delays due to slower-than-expected adoption rates.

As of June 2024, roughly 21 million smart ID cards have been issued. This is just over 50% of the population with green ID books. The initial goal of the transformation was to serve the country’s 38 million ID holders within five to seven years. While the green ID book is still valid, Home Affairs now only issues the smart ID card for all new applications but applies to South African citizens only.

A major hurdle in the rollout has been the delay in finalising agreements between DHA and banks to extend smart ID application services. Despite launching a pilot programme in 2016 that facilitated over 665,000 applications at 30 bank branches, full-scale implementation could have been faster, limiting inconvenience for many citizens.

The latest hiccup in the Department’s partnership with major banks, such as Absa, FNB, and Capitec, is that some of these major banks are not accepting damaged green ID books to verify an individual’s identity. One of the main reasons to do away with the green ID book is that it is vulnerable to theft and fraud. The smart ID is a safer option, making citizens less vulnerable to financial crime and identity theft.

What of Permanent Residents?

The DHA has also faced criticism for restricting smart ID card issuance to citizens, leaving permanent residents with limited options, often requiring long journeys to obtain the green ID book. This disparity has been condemned by political figures such as Angel Khanyile of the Democratic Alliance, who highlighted the inconvenience and alleged discrimination against permanent residents and naturalized citizens.

Former Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi had previously affirmed the government’s commitment to solving IT challenges and streamlining the identification process. He indicated a forthcoming decision to declare one ID format invalid, signalling a potential end to dual identity documents in South Africa. As of 17 July 2024, no timelines have been set to do away with the dual system. However, the green ID booklets is expected to be phased out within the next two years.

While the smart ID card offers enhanced security and efficiency, its nationwide adoption has been hampered by logistical and administrative challenges, such as offline systems, long queues, and corruption. By modernising the systems and streamlining the processes, the issuing of smart IDs will go smoother.

As the DHA continues efforts to expand service points and address technical obstacles, the fate of the green ID book remains uncertain, with an impending announcement expected to clarify its future status in the country’s identification landscape.

For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to June Luna Immigration for inquiries or any assistance you may need. We’re dedicated to ensuring you have a seamless and successful experience with your home affairs applications. Contact us for more information.