ALERT: Crucial information for all green ID book holders
South Africans are encouraged to switch from the green ID book to the smart ID card to prevent possible identity theft.
Keeping your green barcoded ID book may soon pose significant risks as the government plans to fully phase out the document. Citizens who haven’t switched to the more secure smart ID cards are experiencing issues such as large debts, stolen identities, and challenges with university registration. Home Affairs emphasizes the need to upgrade to safeguard against identity theft and fraud.
Scammers exploit Green ID Books
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, highlighted the growing problem of identity theft tied to the outdated green ID books. Speaking to eNCA, he explained, “Citizens have had to endure at the hands of scammers. The duplicate IDs, for instance, resulted from the old, barcoded ID. With the smart card, it’s very difficult for this to happen. That is why we are migrating everyone to a smart card, to phase out the issue of the green barcoded ID, so that we can operate within a secure environment.”
Nzuza also mentioned the efforts made within the department to clean up internal corruption and irregularities in the issuance of permits and IDs. He reassured citizens that the smart ID rollout aims to improve security and efficiency. “We fixed the system. Now, we are saying let us move to digital platforms where your interaction is with a computer and not a human being, at the comfort of your own home,” Nzuza added.
Delayed phase-out of the ID books
Despite these efforts, phasing out the green ID books has faced delays. Initially, the smart ID card rollout, introduced in 2013, was expected to take only two years. However, more than a decade later, Home Affairs has yet to reach its target. Former Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi expressed frustration with the slow progress, telling eNCA, “We want to do away with the green barcode ID. We think it’s long enough that we’ve kept dual identity documents. Very soon, we will make an announcement that the green barcode becomes invalid.”
What does this mean for you?
While green barcoded ID books remain valid for now, South Africans should expect an announcement regarding their expiration soon. Thabo Mokgola, Home Affairs spokesperson, confirmed to The South African that the transition is coming but did not provide a specific date.