Processes are underway to introduce digital IDs in South Africa.  

The Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, earlier this week gazetted draft amended regulations which seek to allow residents to use their cell phones to store and access identity documents, birth and marriage certificates, as well as any other Home Affairs-related material.  

The Department of Home Affairs said the proposed amendments are aimed at creating the regulatory framework needed for a new digital identity system in South Africa. 

The system would also introduce remote identity verification through biometric technology. 

The draft amendments further seek to clarify the legal status of digital identity credentials, alongside the continued use of physical copies.  

Government also intends to strengthen safeguards around the sharing of identity information with accredited institutions, under laws including the Identification Act, the Promotion of Access to Information Act and the Protection of Personal Information Act. 

The department added that the digital identity system will be optional and used alongside the existing ID cards. 

“The draft regulations propose the creation of a world-class Digital Identity system as the ultimate expression of our vision to leverage digital transformation to deliver Home Affairs @ home. This system can greatly enhance our ability to combat identity theft, financial crimes, corruption and illegal immigration, while delivering efficient services to citizens in the comfort of their own homes and improving privacy protections and data management,” said Schreiber.  

Schreiber noted that technical work is already underway with other government departments, including the Presidency. 

The public can comment on the draft amendments to the Identification Act until 6 June. 

Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Director: Legal Services and be forwarded to the Department in any of the following ways: 

• By hand to the Department on the 10th Floor, Hallmark Building, 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, 0001; 

• By post to the Department at Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001; or 

• By e-mail to Moses.Malakate@dha.gov.za