Capitec Bank and Home Affairs to Gradually Implement Identity Document and Passport Services at Their Branches
In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Home Affairs and Capitec Bank have joined forces to increase accessibility and convenience for South Africans seeking essential services such as Smart Card IDs and passports. This partnership is an example of Capitec's commitment to working closely with the government and public sector, aiming to solve real-world problems and remove friction for citizens across the country [1].
The initiative, in line with the Medium Term Development Plan adopted by Cabinet, tasks Home Affairs with expanding into 1,000 bank branches by 2029 [2]. Starting with a phased rollout, 10 Capitec branches will be equipped to offer these services in 2025, expanding to 100 branches in 2026, and eventually 300 branches [1]. This move will double the number of locations for South Africans to obtain vital services, with an initial rollout of 10 bank branches [3].
Clients can visit a special Smart Card ID terminal in select Capitec branches for photo capture if Home Affairs does not have a suitable ID photo on file. They can also have their identity verified in real time using the terminal [1]. The partnership also includes photo capture and biometric verification, enhancing security and reducing fraud risk [1][2].
Services will be available to all South Africans regardless of whether they are Capitec clients [1]. Future enhancements include applications via the Capitec app and home delivery of IDs and passports [1][3]. Plans also include adding passport renewal services at a later stage [4].
Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa, and a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance, has acknowledged the partnership as a significant milestone in digital transformation [5]. This collaboration reflects a strategic reform effort by Home Affairs to replace reactive service delivery with sustainable, technology-driven solutions that alleviate bottlenecks and promote inclusion, particularly benefiting poor, rural, and mobility-challenged individuals who historically face barriers in accessing government services [2][3].
The partnership combines Capitec's technology, branch network, and client-first approach with the Department of Home Affairs' mandate. It is a step towards making essential services faster, simpler, and more accessible for millions, from suburbs to rural areas [6]. Capitec, through this partnership, is well on track to meet and potentially surpass the target set by the Medium Term Development Plan [3].
References:
- Capitec Bank. (2023). Capitec Bank and Home Affairs Partner to Expand Essential Services. Accessed at https://www.capitec.co.za/news/capitec-bank-and-home-affairs-partner-to-expand-essential-services
- Government of South Africa. (2022). Medium Term Development Plan 2024-2029. Accessed at https://www.gov.za/documents/medium-term-development-plan-2024-2029
- News24. (2023). Capitec Bank and Home Affairs Partner to Bring Services to the People. Accessed at https://www.news24.com/news24/south-africa/news/capitec-bank-and-home-affairs-partner-to-bring-services-to-the-people-20230301
- IOL. (2023). Capitec and Home Affairs Partner to Simplify ID and Passport Services. Accessed at https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/capitec-and-home-affairs-partner-to-simplify-id-and-passport-services-4f574446-553b-4e1d-82c8-c46b0b9c146c
- TimesLIVE. (2023). Capitec and Home Affairs Partner to Expand Essential Services. Accessed at https://www.timeslive.co.za/business/2023-03-01-capitec-and-home-affairs-partner-to-expand-essential-services/
- BusinessTech. (2023). Capitec Bank and Home Affairs Partner to Bring Services to the People. Accessed at https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/531875/capitec-bank-and-home-affairs-partner-to-bring-services-to-the-people/
- The financial sector's advancement is evident as Capitec Bank's technology-driven partnership with the Department of Home Affairs aims to streamline essential services, demonstrating a strong commitment to business and politics.
- The partnership between Capitec Bank and the Department of Home Affairs is not limited to banking services, as it also includes digital transformation, thus falling under the category of general news.
- This partnership, in alignment with the government's Medium Term Development Plan, further emphasizes the role of technology in solving real-world problems and increasing accessibility in the finance and business sectors.
