What South Africans need to know about the green ID book phase-out
South Africa is set to retire the old green ID book by 2029, marking a significant step in the country’s move towards modern digital identity solutions. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber recently confirmed that production of the green ID book will stop by the end of this year, paving the way for a full transition to smart ID cards.
The green ID book has long been vulnerable to fraud and forgery, with Minister Schreiber highlighting that it remains the most defrauded identity document in Africa. Despite this, about 18 million South Africans still hold onto their green ID books, often due to limited access to smart ID issuance in certain areas. Presently, roughly a quarter of Home Affairs’ branches are not equipped to issue smart ID cards and continue printing the old green books.
To tackle this, the department is focusing on modernising its infrastructure and expanding access through innovative partnerships with banks. Although the partnership model began nearly a decade ago, only 30 bank branches currently offer smart ID services, mostly in urban centres. Minister Schreiber emphasised the need to scale this initiative, aiming to integrate Home Affairs systems with banking operations so that any bank branch can issue smart IDs using simple equipment like cameras and fingerprint scanners.
This approach not only improves convenience and security but also addresses staffing challenges faced by Home Affairs, which currently meets only 40% of its human resource needs. The plan is to roll out these integrated systems to hundreds of bank branches by 2026 and thousands by 2028, with the ultimate goal of discontinuing the green ID book by 2029.
While this digital transformation is necessary to combat fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering, experts warn it could inadvertently exclude vulnerable populations. For instance, the recent increase in identity verification fees—from 15 cents to R10 per real-time check—has sparked concern that the poorest South Africans might face barriers to financial inclusion. Some banks, like Capitec, have committed to absorbing the extra cost, but others worry this effectively acts as a regressive tax on those least able to pay.
South Africa’s experience contrasts with countries such as Kenya, where mobile money services like M-Pesa have successfully promoted financial inclusion using basic mobile technology rather than complex digital ID systems. This example highlights the importance of ensuring that digital advancements remain accessible and affordable for all.
Minister Schreiber’s vision for Home Affairs is one where services are decentralised, secure, and integrated with everyday platforms like banking apps—an initiative dubbed “Home Affairs at Home.” This would reduce long queues and bring identity services closer to citizens, allowing them to access these services digitally and conveniently.
As the country prepares to say goodbye to the green ID book, the challenge will be to ensure that technological progress benefits everyone, rather than deepening existing inequalities. The success of South Africa’s digital identity transformation hinges not just on modernisation but on inclusive access for all its people.