Government’s long-standing plan to phase out South Africa’s (SA) green barcoded Identity Document (ID) book remains a work in progress, as logistical and policy challenges continue to delay its full withdrawal.
Deputy Director General for Operations at the Department of Home Affairs, Thulani Mavuso, says the green ID book has not yet been scrapped, partly because some South Africans living abroad still rely on it when applying through missions.
In addition, permanent residents are currently not eligible for the smart ID card system.
Mavuso admits the continued use of the green ID book has been problematic for years, particularly due to vulnerabilities that have reportedly been exploited by undocumented migrants and criminal syndicates for identity fraud.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed government’s intention to gradually phase it out in favour of the more secure smart ID card.
To accelerate the transition, Home Affairs has expanded its partnership with the banking sector.
By the end of this year, the department aims to increase access points for smart ID services to around 750 bank branches nationwide significantly widening its operational footprint.
–SABC–
