The Department of Home Affairs has expanded its Digital Partnership with the banking sector after Absa became the fourth bank to offer Smart ID card applications.
Absa joins Capitec, Standard Bank and First National Bank in providing the service, bringing the total number of participating bank branches to 296 nationwide.
Initially, 12 Absa branches will offer Smart ID services, with another 60 branches expected to be added before the end of 2026.
Absa will also introduce a mobile service, called Bank on the Move, to extend Home Affairs services to more communities.
The department says more than 385,000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through the Digital Partnership, reflecting growing demand for digital services and encouraging South Africans to replace the green barcoded ID book with the more secure Smart ID card.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber says the expansion is part of the Home Affairs @ home reform programme, which aims to increase the network to 750 participating bank branches by the end of the year and improve access to secure Home Affairs services across the country.
Absa joins Capitec, Standard Bank and First National Bank in providing the service, bringing the total number of participating bank branches to 296 nationwide.
Initially, 12 Absa branches will offer Smart ID services, with another 60 branches expected to be added before the end of 2026.
Absa will also introduce a mobile service, called Bank on the Move, to extend Home Affairs services to more communities.
The department says more than 385,000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through the Digital Partnership, reflecting growing demand for digital services and encouraging South Africans to replace the green barcoded ID book with the more secure Smart ID card.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber says the expansion is part of the Home Affairs @ home reform programme, which aims to increase the network to 750 participating bank branches by the end of the year and improve access to secure Home Affairs services across the country.