Standard Bank and Home Affairs expand Smart ID services through bank branches
Standard Bank and the Department of Home Affairs have expanded access to Smart ID services through a new bank-assisted model, bringing secure identity services closer to South Africans through selected bank branches.
The service was launched at Standard Bank’s branch at Maponya Mall as part of the Department’s New Bank Expansion and Digitisation Project, which introduces a modern operating model connecting banks directly to Home Affairs systems through a secure Digital API Gateway.
During the launch phase of the programme, Standard Bank will not charge customers for accessing the service through its participating branches.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, said: “This partnership with Standard Bank marks an important step in restoring dignity to how South Africans access identity services. By securely connecting trusted institutions such as banks directly to Home Affairs systems, we are expanding access to Smart ID services while strengthening the integrity of South Africa’s national identity system. This is how we build a modern, digital Home Affairs that delivers services with greater security, convenience and dignity, closer to where people live. This is Home Affairs @ home in action.”
The initiative seeks to expand access to identity services while strengthening the integrity of South Africa’s national identity system. The transition from the green barcoded ID book to the Smart ID Card is a key priority for the Department, helping reduce identity fraud and improve the security of the country’s identity framework.
Speaking at the launch, Funeka Montjane, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank Personal & Private Banking, said the partnership reflects how collaboration between government and business can improve access to essential services.
“Access to secure identity services is fundamental to economic participation. By working with the Department of Home Affairs, we are bringing these services closer to where people live and work, using infrastructure that communities already trust,” Montjane said.
The rollout will follow a phased approach designed to test systems thoroughly and scale responsibly. In the initial phase, the service will be available at selected Standard Bank branches including Maponya Mall in Soweto, Rosebank and Westgate in Johannesburg, and Parow in Cape Town.
During this phase, Standard Bank customers can apply in branch to convert their green ID book to a Smart ID Card or replace lost, stolen or damaged Smart ID Cards. Applications are completed with trained staff assisting clients, with biometric capture conducted on site.