South Africa Leads Africa in Identity Document Fraud, Home Affairs Urges Migration to Smart ID Card

• South Africa is the number one country on the continent when it comes to identity document fraud
• The Department of Homes Affairs confirmed it will do away with the green barcoded ID in the future
• South Africans are refusing to switch over to the Smart ID Card unless they have no other choice

South Africa is number one in Africa when it comes to identity document fraud. That’s according to Security Strategist Andy Mashaile, who urged the government to do away with the green barcoded ID.

The green barcoded ID, though popular with South Africans, is considered a significant security risk.

Home Affairs encourages citizens to get new IDs

Speaking to SABC News, Department of Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza advised South Africans to migrate to the new Smart ID Card.

“The green barcoded ID is subject to identity theft and also credit fraud. It can also be a source of duplicate cases, and that is why we are asking everyone who has the green barcoded ID to move to a Smart ID card,” Nzuza said.

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Home Affairs minister clarifies announcement

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has also clarified the government’s plans for the barcoded IDS, saying that the government is focused on making Smart ID cards widely accessible before phasing out the old IDs:

“Home Affairs will work flat-out this year to ensure that all South Africans are able to obtain Smart IDs. It is only after this has been achieved that we will make an official announcement on phasing out of the green ID book."

The department has been hard at work before trying to encourage people to move over to the new card. On 12 October 2024, Schreiber appealed to citizens to get the Smart ID Card but was met with resistance.

The Department has also taken action to rid the country of duplicate and fraudulent IDs. On 16 August 2024, DHA announced that it would be cancelling fake and duplicate IDs that are in the system.

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Social media has its say

South Africans weighed in on the news, with many saying they would wait until the very end before switching.

@dramadelinquent said:

“I will hold out till the end.”

@Mxoza1 said:

“As long as your smart ID is not combined with the driver’s licence, then you can keep preaching, good sir. Me and my green ID are not parting ways.”

@MCleupas stated:

“Well, you have to extend the dates just like you keep on extending the ZEP expiration.”

@Ddawg86 said:

“I would change it provided you make it free. I didn’t lose my ID; you changed it.”

@Malumz360 added:

“We will demand an extension of five years like ZEPs.”

@sbhene_ stated:

“You must come deliver those cards to my door, otherwise I’m not going to go stand in those long queues.”

@eziboi101 asked:

“How can you force us? Home Affairs offices, you are stuck there for most of the day. Unless we get digital IDs, I don't want to go in there.”

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Home Affairs' online system draws criticism

In a related article, South Africans criticised Home Affairs over its Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS).

Briefly News noted that the system was launched to improve efficiency, as citizens are able to schedule appointments online.

South Africans were not impressed with the system, saying that it doesn't work as well as claimed.

Source: Briefly News