With the Local Government Elections fast approaching, South Africans, who are eligible to vote and still require identity documents (IDs), are urged to apply for and collect their documents without delay.
Registered voters can only make their mark on Election Day – 4 November – if they are in possession of an acceptable identity document, including a smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or valid temporary identity certificate.
Driver’s licences, passports, student cards or photocopies of ID documents are not accepted for voting purposes.
Those who have not collected their IDs are also encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
“Citizens, who still need to replace a lost or damaged identity document ahead of the elections, are urged to make use of Home Affairs offices or the more than 450 participating bank branches to acquire their documents and not wait until the last minute.
“Home Affairs is further calling on citizens who already have their identity documents to encourage family members, friends and colleagues who do not yet have a Smart ID to apply now and collect their documents ahead of the elections,” a recent Home Affairs statement read.
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber said: “A valid ID holds the key to democratic participation in the upcoming elections. I call upon South Africans to make use of our vastly improved services to apply for, and collect, their IDs without delay.”
The department has rolled out digitalised Smart ID services at bank branches across the country.
In July, the department expanded its Digital Partnership with Absa, which also includes the launch of the country’s first bank-based Home Affairs mobile unit – further enhancing access to services.
Together with Home Affairs offices, South Africans now have access to around 1 000 locations where they can apply for a Smart ID card – nearly five times the number of access points that existed just two years ago.
The digital partnership will also be expanded before the end of the year to include applications for adult and minor passports, first-time Smart ID card applications and, in the next major milestone, home delivery of identity documents directly to citizens' homes.
“Through Home Affairs @ home, we are making it easier than ever before for South Africans to replace the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book with the secure Smart ID Card.
“Together, we are closing the chapter on the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book and opening a new chapter of secure, digitalised identity services that deliver dignity for all,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za
