Implement a digital identity (ID) system for secure and remote access to services.
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Individual Reform: Implement a digital identity (ID) system for secure and remote access to services. 2025 - 2026

The department has already launched eHomeAffairs, which enables citizens to submit ID and passport applications online. Citizens with internet access no longer need to stand in long queues at Home Affairs physical offices, reducing the need for in-person interactions. In terms of the expansion of smart ID cards, the department plans to increase access from the current pilot in about three dozen bank branches to over a thousand locations nationwide.

Establish universal biometric enrolment & introduce a foundational digital ID system

No data available for the deliverable: Establish universal biometric enrolment & introduce a foundational digital ID system

Summary

The digital ID system is one of the four pillars of the digital transformation infrastructure roadmap and is spearheaded by the Department of Home Affairs. It is a comprehensive programme that involves multiple stages and components to establish, manage and use digital identities securely and efficiently, while lowering administrative costs, reducing manual administrative workload and accelerating service delivery. A major component of the modernisation effort is the expansion of smart ID with associated biometric data (and passport services) and discontinuation of the green barcoded ID book. A smart digital ID will improve access to essential services, including banking and healthcare, by allowing people to enrol and verify their ID remotely, without needing to visit government offices to submit physical or certified copies of ID documents.The Automated Biometric identification System (ABIS) has numerous benefits, including: • Faster turnaround times for ID documents and passports. Digital ID platform aims to reduce in-person visits, allowing citizens to access Home Affairs services online. Documents can be delivered to doorsteps or provided in secure digital formats. • Enabling banks to verify client identities more quickly and supporting tourism by speeding up ID verification at ports of entry. The digital ID system is already under way and ABIS is being rolled out. The Department of Home Affairs has launched the eHomeAffairs portal (online platform) for citizens to apply for smart ID cards and passports https://ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv3. The department is also planning to issue more smart ID cards.

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Is it working?

Implementation of the new services is already under way. The Department of Home Affairs is working towards various projects related to digital ID system, including the expansion of smart ID cards with associated biometrics and the implementation of ABIS-related projects: • Universal enrolment in the smart ID system: The department is rolling out smart ID cards, and has recently extended the rollout to naturalised citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries. These services are available in about three dozen bank branches as part of a pilot programme. The department has partnered with several banks to offer Smart ID and passport application services through eHomeAffairs. It plans to scale this up to over a thousand locations nationwide within the period of the Strategic Plan (to achieve 90% uptake of the smart ID for all citizens by 2028). The department also aims to establish an independent identity management entity, including housing of biometrics, by 2030. • The department also aims to implement e-Passports by 2029.

Actions

The department launched eHomeAffairs, which enables SA citizens to submit ID and passport applications online.

Are there plans?

• The Department of Home Affairs' vision is to transform the department and deliver digital services aligned with its Strategic Plan 2025-2030 • It is also aligned with the digital transformation infrastructure roadmap (2025) • The department is also planning to submit a digital ID policy to cabinet for approval

Is it on the agenda?

• Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2.0 agenda • Announced at the Department of Home Affairs' 2025 Budget Vote

Goals

This project aims to modernise the Department of Home Affairs and enhance service delivery by leveraging advanced digital technologies to replace the outdated Home Affairs National Identity System (HANIS) with the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). This modern IT system aims to provide a single, integrated source for biometric authentication (including fingerprints and facial recognition) of both citizens and non-citizens, to be used across governments and businesses. This project also aims to establish a functional Digital ID, which will enable people/users to securely verify their ID in person or remotely, using a device, QR code or other secure methods.

Summary

The digital ID system is one of the four pillars of the digital transformation infrastructure roadmap and is spearheaded by the Department of Home Affairs. It is a comprehensive programme that involves multiple stages and components to establish, manage and use digital identities securely and efficiently, while lowering administrative costs, reducing manual administrative workload and accelerating service delivery. A major component of the modernisation effort is the expansion of smart ID with associated biometric data (and passport services) and discontinuation of the green barcoded ID book. A smart digital ID will improve access to essential services, including banking and healthcare, by allowing people to enrol and verify their ID remotely, without needing to visit government offices to submit physical or certified copies of ID documents.The Automated Biometric identification System (ABIS) has numerous benefits, including: • Faster turnaround times for ID documents and passports. Digital ID platform aims to reduce in-person visits, allowing citizens to access Home Affairs services online. Documents can be delivered to doorsteps or provided in secure digital formats. • Enabling banks to verify client identities more quickly and supporting tourism by speeding up ID verification at ports of entry. The digital ID system is already under way and ABIS is being rolled out. The Department of Home Affairs has launched the eHomeAffairs portal (online platform) for citizens to apply for smart ID cards and passports https://ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv3. The department is also planning to issue more smart ID cards.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Implementation of the new services is already under way. The Department of Home Affairs is working towards various projects related to digital ID system, including the expansion of smart ID cards with associated biometrics and the implementation of ABIS-related projects: • Universal enrolment in the smart ID system: The department is rolling out smart ID cards, and has recently extended the rollout to naturalised citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries. These services are available in about three dozen bank branches as part of a pilot programme. The department has partnered with several banks to offer Smart ID and passport application services through eHomeAffairs. It plans to scale this up to over a thousand locations nationwide within the period of the Strategic Plan (to achieve 90% uptake of the smart ID for all citizens by 2028). The department also aims to establish an independent identity management entity, including housing of biometrics, by 2030. • The department also aims to implement e-Passports by 2029.

Actions

The department launched eHomeAffairs, which enables SA citizens to submit ID and passport applications online.

Are there plans?

• The Department of Home Affairs' vision is to transform the department and deliver digital services aligned with its Strategic Plan 2025-2030 • It is also aligned with the digital transformation infrastructure roadmap (2025) • The department is also planning to submit a digital ID policy to cabinet for approval

Is it on the agenda?

• Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2.0 agenda • Announced at the Department of Home Affairs' 2025 Budget Vote

Goals

This project aims to modernise the Department of Home Affairs and enhance service delivery by leveraging advanced digital technologies to replace the outdated Home Affairs National Identity System (HANIS) with the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). This modern IT system aims to provide a single, integrated source for biometric authentication (including fingerprints and facial recognition) of both citizens and non-citizens, to be used across governments and businesses. This project also aims to establish a functional Digital ID, which will enable people/users to securely verify their ID in person or remotely, using a device, QR code or other secure methods.

No data available for the deliverable: Establish universal biometric enrolment & introduce a foundational digital ID system

No data available for the deliverable: Establish universal biometric enrolment & introduce a foundational digital ID system

No data available for the deliverable: Establish universal biometric enrolment & introduce a foundational digital ID system

No data available for the deliverable: Establish universal biometric enrolment & introduce a foundational digital ID system

Analyst: Thabani Madlala
Status: In progress
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