South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has announced plans to phase out the Green ID book, expand digital identity services and launch a nationwide campaign to document all undocumented South African citizens by the end of 2029.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber outlined the reforms during the Home Affairs Quantum Leap event at Constitution Hill. The programme aims to replace paper-based processes with digital services accessible through smartphones and participating bank branches.
The department plans to stop producing Green ID books by 31 March 2027, when the machines used to manufacture the documents will be decommissioned. The estimated 14.7 million citizens and permanent residents who still rely on the booklet will have a further 12 months to transition to the Smart ID card. According to the minister’s announcement, the Green ID book will no longer be recognised as valid identification from 31 March 2028.
The department is also expanding access to identity services through banks. Schreiber said 515 bank branches currently offer biometric Smart ID replacement services, with more than 822,500 people having used the service. The department aims to increase the number of service points to more than 1,000 by the end of 2026. Passport applications and first-time Smart ID applications are also expected to become available through participating branches, alongside secure courier delivery.
South Africa is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform, which the minister said was already accepting short-stay visa applications from 53 countries. Study and work visa categories are expected to be added in early 2027. The platform is intended to digitise visa processing, strengthen identity verification and reduce delays, with some approved applications reportedly processed within 24 hours.
Another initiative involves developing a smartphone-based Digital ID system. The department has built a working prototype and is reviewing public feedback on draft regulations. Schreiber said the system would be voluntary, with physical Smart ID cards remaining available, while the final regulations would establish limits on the use of personal data.
The reforms also include digitising applications for birth, marriage and death certificates, with services planned through more than 1,000 bank branches. The department is exploring biometric birth registration with public and private healthcare providers and developing plans for a biometrically secured electronic passport.
Beyond identity services, the government plans to invest R12.5 billion through a public-private partnership to reconstruct South Africa’s six busiest land ports of entry as no-stop border posts. Automated gates at border crossings are also being considered.
For undocumented citizens, the department is preparing a documentation campaign for the 2028/29 financial year. The initiative will review late birth registration and documentation processes and deploy mobile biometric technology to reach communities, with the goal of formally documenting every South African citizen by the end of 2029.
Schreiber also reported 144 dismissals, 73 arrests and 10 convictions across the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority since July 2024, as part of efforts to address misconduct and corruption.
The reforms form part of the department’s broader “Home Affairs @ home” vision, which aims to decentralise public services, reduce reliance on physical offices and use digital technology to improve access, security and efficiency.
