Zuko Komisa

- The DHA issued over 4 million smart IDs in 2025, a 17% increase over the previous record.
- Digital upgrades have replaced fraud-prone ID books with secure cards, protecting millions from identity theft.
- A new partnership with the banking sector will soon allow citizens to collect IDs at hundreds of local branches.
For millions of South Africans, a small piece of plastic is more than just an ID, it is a key to a life of dignity.
In a landmark achievement for the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), 2025 has become the year the nation’s digital future finally arrived at the doorstep of the people.
By issuing a record-shattering 4 million smart ID cards in a single year, the department has surpassed all previous milestones.
This isn’t just a victory of logistics; it is a victory for the four million citizens who can now securely open bank accounts, apply for jobs, and access social grants without the fear of identity theft.
The surge in efficiency stems from a dedicated overhaul of the department’s digital backbone.
By repairing the long-neglected Online Verification Service and upgrading technology at the Government Printing Works, the DHA has turned “Home Affairs @ home” from a slogan into a reality.
“The green barcoded ID book has become a soft target for fraudsters,” noted Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, highlighting that the old books are 500% more vulnerable to fraud than their smart successors.
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