The EFF has condemned the digitised Smart ID rollout through private banks, saying identity documents must remain under state control, while the Department of Home Affairs says the system improves accessibility and efficiency. Picture Credit: EngineeringNews
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised a move by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to involve private banks in the rollout of South Africa’s digital Smart ID system, warning that identity documents must remain a public service.
The party described the initiative as a risk to citizens’ fundamental rights, arguing that identity documentation should never be treated as a profit-driven product.
“We reject the attempt by the DA to outsource Home Affairs services to private banks,” the EFF said in a statement.
“Identity documentation is a fundamental right and the foundation of citizenship, not a commercial service,” the party added, emphasising that such documents represent proof of belonging to the nation.
The criticism comes as the Department of Home Affairs continues to roll out digitised Smart ID applications through select bank branches. Currently, services are available at some Capitec Bank and Standard Bank locations, with the number of participating branches expected to increase from nine to 17 by the end of the week.
First National Bank (FNB) is nearing the completion of its testing phase, while other banks in the partnership are at various stages of development.
The department, led by DA’s Dr Leon Schreiber, defended the initiative, saying it improves efficiency and accessibility for South Africans. “The fact that we have already reached this milestone after just 20 months in office means that we are on track to deliver on our goal to invert the principle of how government services work,” Schreiber said. “Instead of forcing people to go to Home Affairs and endure long queues and manual processes, we are leveraging technological security and efficiency to bring Home Affairs to the people, delivering access, inclusion and dignity for all.”
