South Africa’s green ID books are nearing the end of their era, as the Department of Home Affairs prepares to declare them invalid in Favor of more secure smart ID cards. According to officials, this move aims to combat fraud, identity theft, and other security risks tied to the outdated bar-coded documents.
Green ID Book faces security concerns
According to SABC, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza emphasised the urgency of the transition and described the green ID books as a significant security vulnerability.
“The green bar-coded ID is subject to identity theft and credit fraud which we have seen being prevalent. It can also be a source of duplicate cases, and that is why we are asking everyone who is on the green-barcoded ID to move to a smart ID card,” Nzuza said.
The Department launched the smart ID card program in 2013, and officials believe the shift is long overdue. According to Nzuza, the smart-coded IDs are far more secure and technologically advanced, providing better protection for citizens’ identities.
Persistent Calls for Change
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber echoed similar sentiments in October, stressing that green ID books pose a significant risk to users.
“This fragility presents severe security risks, as damaged ID books can be easily altered or forged, making them unreliable for secure identification,” Schreiber warned.
Fraud linked to green ID books has escalated over the years, prompting the Department to take decisive action. Officials urge citizens to apply for smart ID cards before the green books are officially phased out. The Department has ramped up awareness campaigns and encouraged South Africans to use the online booking system to make the transition smoother.
How do you feel about the shift to smart ID cards? Are you prepared for the change?
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