SA Issues Record 4 Million Smart ID Cards as Home Affairs Accelerates Digital Transformation

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has issued a record-breaking number of Smart ID cards during the 2025/26 financial year while rapidly expanding its digital transformation programme, mobile service outreach and identity management systems, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza announced during the department’s Budget Vote Debate in the National Assembly.

The department’s latest achievements signal one of the most ambitious modernisation drives in South Africa’s public administration system, with government positioning Home Affairs as a more digitally enabled, citizen-centred and accessible institution.

Addressing Parliament on Friday, Nzuza said the department’s progress reflects a deliberate institutional culture shift focused on efficiency, technological modernization and improved public service delivery.

“The progress we are making demonstrates that meaningful transformation is only possible through a deliberate shift in organisational culture,” the Deputy Minister stated.

He added that the department remains committed to building “a Home Affairs that is modern, secure, efficient, and truly citizen-centred.”

South Africa Records Highest-Ever Smart ID Card Output

One of the most significant announcements during the debate was the unprecedented number of Smart ID cards issued during the 2025/26 financial year.

According to Nzuza, the Department of Home Affairs issued more than four million Smart ID cards during the year — far exceeding the department’s original target of 2.75 million cards.

“In the 2025/26 financial year, we issued a record-breaking number of Smart ID Cards of just above four million… This is the highest single-year output in our department’s history,” he told Parliament.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted strong growth in first-time Smart ID issuances over recent years.

According to departmental figures:

• First-time Smart ID issuances increased from 622,539 in 2020/21

• The number rose to 1,032,327 in 2025/26

The figures significantly exceeded departmental targets and reflect growing adoption of South Africa’s Smart ID system as the government gradually phases out older identity documentation formats.

Mobile Offices Expand Access in Rural and Underserved Communities

Nzuza emphasized that expanded mobile office services and community outreach initiatives have played a key role in increasing access to Home Affairs services, particularly in historically underserved regions.

“It is through collaborative partnerships, community outreach and the expansion of mobile offices that we continue to take services directly to the people,” he said.

The department’s mobile offices exceeded annual operational targets by conducting more than 6,300 outreach visits during the year under review.

These included:

• 5,010 visits to public schools

• 516 visits to special schools

Officials stated that the programme is designed to improve access to identity services for young citizens, rural populations and vulnerable communities.

More Than 60 Million Civic Records Digitised

A major pillar of the department’s modernization agenda is the large-scale digitisation of civic records.

Nzuza described the project as one of the most significant administrative reform efforts undertaken in South Africa’s democratic era.

According to the Deputy Minister:

• More than 60 million civic records have already been digitised

• An additional 25 million records are targeted for digitisation during the 2026/27 financial year

“As part of our Digital Transformation Journey, the digitisation of Civic Records is a remarkable achievement,” he said.

He stressed that the project represents far more than converting paper files into digital archives.

“This is not merely the transfer of paper to digital platforms; it is the construction of a modern, efficient and accessible state capable of responding to the needs of its people with speed, dignity and integrity,” Nzuza stated.

Birth Registration Reforms to Reduce Fraud and Eliminate Paper Systems

The Deputy Minister also highlighted progress in Early Birth Registration, which he described as central to strengthening South Africa’s identity management framework and protecting children’s rights.

“A legal identity secured at birth is not merely an administrative process; it is the first recognition of citizenship, dignity and belonging,” he said.

The department exceeded its annual birth registration target by successfully registering 680,555 babies within 30 days of birth, surpassing the target of 677,000 registrations.

Nzuza further announced plans to automate birth registration processes at health facilities during the 2026/27 financial year.

The automation initiative is expected to:

• Reduce fraud and corruption

• Improve turnaround times for birth certificates

• Eliminate paper-based records

• Strengthen identity security systems

Officials say the reforms form part of broader efforts to modernize South Africa’s civil registration and identity infrastructure.

Home Affairs Responds to Disaster-Affected Communities

The Deputy Minister highlighted the role played by mobile units in assisting communities affected by emergencies and disasters.

He cited the department’s response to the fire disaster in Du Noon, Cape Town, where hundreds of structures were destroyed earlier this year.

According to Nzuza, affected residents were able to replace lost identity documents and birth certificates free of charge through targeted departmental interventions.

He added that Home Affairs stands ready to deploy additional mobile units to communities affected by disasters in Gqeberha and the Northern Cape.

Passport Services Surpass Government Targets

Nzuza also announced significant improvements in passport processing times.

The Department of Home Affairs aims to issue:

• 90% of adult passports within 13 working days

• 90% of minor passports within 18 working days

According to the Deputy Minister, the department exceeded both targets during the year under review.

Performance figures showed:

• 96.32% of adult passports were issued within 13 days

• 98.72% of minor passports were issued within 18 days

The improved turnaround times are intended to support South Africans travelling for:

• Business

• Work opportunities

• Education

• Tourism

Officials noted that passport services have also been expanded to selected South African communities abroad.

Home Affairs Prepares for 2026 Local Government Elections

Looking ahead, Nzuza urged citizens to collect their identity documents ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

“As we look toward the 2026 Local Government Elections, I encourage all citizens to collect their IDs. Your identity is your Voice. It is your Heritage. It is your Freedom,” he told Parliament.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting free, fair and credible elections through expanded identity service access and improved collaboration with stakeholders.

Digital Skills Training and Institutional Reform Intensify

The Deputy Minister also outlined progress in the department’s internal culture change and digital skills development strategy.

Key achievements included:

• 2,861 officials completing Digital Literacy training

• Establishment of five provincial virtual training hubs

• Launch of e-learning modules in ethics and client relations

Women accounted for more than 65% of training beneficiaries, while targeted measures were introduced to improve disability representation and gender parity at senior management levels.

Nzuza said the department remains committed to institutional reform and ethical governance.

“We’re resolute in our mission to transform Home Affairs into a professional, ethical, high-performing institution serving all people with dignity,” he stated.

Home Affairs Modernisation Seen as Key Governance Reform

Analysts say the department’s accelerated digitisation and service modernization efforts could significantly improve administrative efficiency, reduce fraud and strengthen public trust in government identity systems.

The reforms are also expected to play an important role in:

• Electoral integrity

• Social service delivery

• Border management

• Financial inclusion

• Citizen access to government services

With more than 60 million records digitised and Smart ID rollout accelerating, South Africa’s Home Affairs system is increasingly transitioning toward a modern digital identity infrastructure capable of supporting broader governance and development objectives.