South Africans preparing to vote in November’s Local Government Elections can now access Smart ID services at more than 450 participating bank branches nationwide.
The Department of Home Affairs is encouraging eligible voters who still need identity documents to apply early, as the expanded banking network provides another route to securing the documentation required to vote.
The rollout has seen digitalised Smart ID services expand to more than 450 bank branches in just five months, significantly increasing the number of locations where South Africans can access identity services.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said ensuring people have valid identification is an important part of enabling democratic participation.
“A valid ID holds the key to democratic participation in the upcoming elections. Home Affairs has dramatically expanded access to this critical service by rolling out digitalised Smart ID services at over 450 bank branches in just five months,” Schreiber said.
“I call upon South Africans to make use of our vastly improved services to apply for — and collect — their IDs without delay.”
The expanded network provides an additional option for South Africans who would previously have relied primarily on Home Affairs offices to access identity services.
Eligible voters who have lost or damaged their identity documents are also being encouraged to arrange replacements well before election day.
Those who have already applied for an ID but have not yet collected it should collect their documents rather than waiting until closer to the elections.
“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,” the department said.
South Africans can use the Home Affairs online service to identify their nearest participating bank branch.
The department is also encouraging citizens who already have their identity documents to check whether family members, friends and colleagues still need to apply for or collect theirs.
By extending Smart ID services through the banking network, Home Affairs is widening access to an essential public service while helping more eligible South Africans obtain the documentation they need to participate in the upcoming elections.
