Need to apply for a Smart ID? More KZN banks are now offering the service
Good news for KwaZulu-Natal residents. If you’ve been putting off replacing your green ID book, applying for a Smart ID card has just become more convenient.
Millions of South Africans have already made the switch to the Smart ID card, and if you’re still carrying the green barcoded ID book, now might be the perfect time to upgrade.
For years, South Africans relied on the green ID book, but it became increasingly vulnerable to fraud, forgery and identity theft. To improve security, the Department of Home Affairs introduced the Smart ID card, which features an embedded microchip that makes it far more difficult to duplicate or tamper with.
To make the process more convenient, the Department of Home Affairs has partnered with several banks, including Capitec, FNB and Standard Bank, allowing customers to apply for or replace their Smart ID cards at selected branches.
Now, there’s another option.
The Department of Home Affairs recently announced that Absa has joined the programme, becoming the latest bank to offer Smart ID services. The rollout includes several branches across the country, including KwaZulu-Natal, making it easier for residents to access the service closer to home.
The expansion is particularly significant given that Absa serves more than 10 million customers in South Africa. For many clients, it means they can fit a Smart ID application into their daily routine, whether they’re running errands, doing their grocery shopping or visiting their local shopping centre.
According to the Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, more than 400,000 Smart ID transactions have already been processed through the banking partnership, highlighting the growing demand for the convenient service.
Applying for a Smart ID card costs R150 and typically takes around five minutes at a participating branch. Applicants must visit the branch in person so that their fingerprints, photograph and digital signature can be captured before the application is processed.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok