South Africa's green ID books could vanish soon
The end of an era...
Ah, the great ID book debate finally comes to a close. Whether you have one or not, green barcode ID books are something you have encountered.
More than a decade after the introduction of the smart ID card, the Department of Home Affairs has announced plans to phase out the green barcode ID book.
Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi has encouraged South Africans to "upgrade", with an announcement expected "very soon".
Since the rollout of the smart ID card in 2013, over 21-million cards have been issued to citizens. It is estimated that around 17-million South Africans will soon be forced to exchange their green barcode ID books for smart ID cards when this change takes place.
Read More: How to book your Smart ID and passport applications online
In an interview with eNCA, Motsoaledi stated that the implementation of the smart ID card, which began in 2013, was initially expected to be completed within two years.
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 we will keep one, and the other (green barcode) becomes invalid.
To date, 55% of South Africans have been issued with smart ID cards, per My Broadband.
Read More: New Home Affairs branch open at The Pavilion
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