Home Affairs has already issued 25 000 Smart ID Cards

Loyiso Langeni
03 February 2014

The Department of Home Affairs has to date issued 25 000 smart ID cards with a target of 2 000 per day.  On Saturday the 1st of February marked the first day of the mass roll-out of the Smart ID Cards. 

Director General of the Department of Home Affairs Mkuseli Apleni has urged people to be patient.

Apleni said the green ID book is still a valid document until an announcement is made to say it is no longer valid.

“Looking at the number of the population in South Africa we are estimating that +/- 38 million citizens are holders of the ID cards. We are estimating a period of between five to seven years to finish the whole process.” Apleni emphasized.

On the other hand the department has 28 offices, three per province which are operational and ready for the roll-out. 

Minister of Home Affairs Naledi Pandor said by the end of March the department is targeting to have 70 offices for the roll-out of the Smart ID cards. 

Director General of the Department of Home Affairs Mkuseli Apleni said it is important to say the card is free for 16 year-old's and senior citizens. Once you reach the age of 60 you qualify to have the smart ID cards free.

“The reason we started with senior citizens was to give them the priority and give them the respect they deserve,” Apleni  said.

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