- Expansion of Smart ID and Passport Services: The Department of Home Affairs is partnering with Capitec Bank and FNB to expand Smart ID and passport services from 30 branches to hundreds nationwide, improving accessibility for all South Africans.
- Digital Partnership Model: The new initiative introduces secure digital banking applications allowing customers to apply for services remotely, reducing the need for travel and enhancing convenience.
- Alignment with Development Plan: This expansion supports the Cabinet’s Medium-Term Development Plan to provide services at 1,000 bank branches by 2029, aiming for broader community access.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced a landmark agreement with Capitec Bank and First National Bank (FNB) to significantly expand access to Smart ID and passport services.
Under the new digital partnership model, services will grow from the current 30 participating bank branches to hundreds across urban and rural South Africa. Customers will also be able to apply through secure digital banking applications, improving convenience and reducing the need to travel long distances.
The initiative supports the Cabinet’s Medium-Term Development Plan, which tasks Home Affairs with making services available at 1,000 bank branches by 2029. On 30 April 2025, Director-General Tommy Makhode invited major banks to join the expansion, including ABSA, African Bank, TymeBank, Discovery Bank, Investec, Nedbank, and Standard Bank.
The previous model required Home Affairs staff and hardware inside bank branches, limiting reach. The updated approach uses technology to extend services without costly duplication, ensuring more communities can access essential documents.
Minister Leon Schreiber will visit Capitec and FNB to outline how the reform will improve service delivery, reduce queues, and phase out the vulnerable Green ID book.
Home Affairs has called on other banks to join the initiative to ensure all South Africans can access Smart ID and passport services in their own communities.
