Smart ID applications passed to banks
The application process initiated by the Department of Home Affairs for Smart ID cards has been in progress since February 2014.
According to the Home Affairs website 70 offices are ready to process applications, but all this will change in April according to Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba. Eligible citizens will then be able to apply for their Smart ID cards at the Home Affair’s kiosks in their nearest bank.
The Minister announced that FNB and Standard Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department for a pilot project in Parliament on Tuesday. Other South African banks as well as the South African Postal Service are in the departmental sight lines to assist with applications.
“There are several new innovations that are going to be introduced by the department in the course of this and the next financial years to assist South Africans in applying for their Smart ID Cards and passports in an extremely convenient way.
The RECORD has received reports of residents receiving poor service in connection with the application for Smart ID cards at the Alberton Home Affairs’ offices. The Minister said the innovation would help ease the queues at Home Affairs’ 403 offices nationwide, while delivering a crucial service to citizens quicker, efficiently and professionally.
