More reasons why some South Africans still battle to get smart IDs

10 Views

Smart IDs were first introduced by the Department of Home Affairs in July 2013. However, over a decade later, only about 21 million South Africans had them at the end of 2023, as reported by BusinessTech on 18 September 2024.

The aim was for every citizen – over 60 million of them – to have a smart ID by 2022. The Home Affairs continues to issue pleas to the public for them to get smart IDs. However, there is one requirement in the application process that has proven to be a hindrance for many.

THE REQUIREMENT THAT HAS HINDERED MANY FROM GETTING SMART IDS

The requirement when applying for a smart ID that has seemingly been a stumbling block to many South Africans, particularly naturalised citizens, has been only doing so by invitation. In July 2024 the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced that naturalised citizens could now be able to apply for the cards, with this support being phased in gradually. Most individuals could apply for smart IDs from August 2024, but some have not been so lucky.

According to the requirements from the department for naturalised citizens, they must first apply for an invitation letter. This letter must be issued and signed by the Director General of the Department of Home Affairs using the email address NatsSmartIDCard.Applications@dha.gov.za.

The main smart ID requirements include:

Online verification printout
Certified copy of Naturalisation Certificate
Certified copy of ID book
Invitation letter from head office
Payment receipt of R140 (except for pensioners 60 and above or first issues)

Getting a smart ID card is not easy for some citizens. Image: Facebook Help and Advice with SA Home Affairs

CITIZENS EXPRESS THEIR STRUGGLES AND FRUSTRATIONS

The South African reported on 18 November 2024 on two other reasons why citizens still didn’t have smart IDs, including the cost of getting the card and the long queues at Home Affairs. Some readers who commented on the article revealed that their reason was because they were naturalised citizens. Here are some of their comments:

“Been SA citizen for 83 years. Born in Durban in 1941. Currently have green book, SA passport. Denied smart card ID because my parents weren’t born in South Africa! What the hell?”

“MY husband a permanent resident but British has a ID book…but Home Affairs said he is not eligle for a card because he is not a citizen…”

“I would like to get my smart ID card but I do not qualify because I was not born in South Africa despite being an S A Citizen and resident for over 80 years.”

FADED FINGERPRINTS ALSO AN ISSUE

Many elderly people have found it difficult to use biometric technology due to faded fingerprints. However, this is not a problem just for the elderly as this can affect anyone as there are many other causes except aging. GroundUp reported how faded fingerprints made it difficult for some to get a smart ID.