Home Affairs publishes regulations for public comment
South Africans could soon have the option of carrying a secure digital identity document on their smartphones, following proposed new regulations published by the Department of Home Affairs.
The draft regulations, published by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber for public comment, outline how a new digital identity system would work alongside the country’s existing green barcoded ID books and smart ID cards.
If approved, the system will allow citizens aged 16 and older to apply for a digital identity credential that can be accessed through the government’s MyMzansi mobile application.
Importantly, Home Affairs says the digital ID will have the same legal status as a physical ID card. However, South Africans will not be forced to switch to digital IDs and existing ID cards will remain valid.
The proposal forms part of government’s plans to modernise public services and build a more secure digital identity system for the country.
Under the proposed regulations, citizens would still need to visit an accredited Home Affairs office or approved enrolment centre in person to apply for a digital ID. Applicants would be required to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition data, verify their cellphone numbers, and provide proof of address.
Once approved, the digital ID would be stored securely on a smartphone and could be used to prove a person’s identity through technologies such as QR codes, Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC).
The digital credential would be valid for five years and could be renewed electronically using facial recognition verification.
Home Affairs says the new system aims to reduce identity fraud and strengthen the security of South Africa’s population register. The regulations require advanced security measures, including biometric verification, liveness detection technology to ensure a real person is present during enrolment, and encrypted storage of personal information.
The proposals also introduce a framework that would allow approved institutions such as banks, social grant administrators and other entities with legal identity verification responsibilities to verify identities directly with Home Affairs under strict conditions.
According to the draft regulations, all information sharing would be subject to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). Organisations granted access would be prohibited from using citizens’ identity information for commercial purposes, profiling or unauthorised surveillance.
For many South Africans, the introduction of digital IDs could make it easier to access government services, open bank accounts, verify identities online and conduct transactions without carrying a physical identity document.
However, Home Affairs has acknowledged that not all citizens have smartphones or reliable internet access. The regulations therefore state that physical ID cards will remain available and that implementation of the digital ID system must not unfairly exclude people who cannot access digital services.
The draft regulations are currently open for public comment before a final decision is made on their implementation.
If adopted, the digital ID initiative would represent one of the biggest changes to South Africa’s identity management system since the introduction of the Smart ID Card and could pave the way for a more digital and connected government in the years ahead.
