eHome Affairs opens online service to all South Africans

Source: New24, 26/08/2016

Cape Town - Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has confirmed that the
eHomeAffairs portal service has now been extended to accommodate
citizens, 16 years and above, who want to apply online for the new
Smart ID Card and Passports.


With eHomeAffairs, you can download and fill the e-application form,
make an electronic payment and book an appointment to complete the
application process at your nearest participating bank, assured of
peace of mind and personalised service.


The system was launched four months ago to citizens between 30 and 35
years old and as of Wednesday 24 August 2016, a total of 35 751
applications have been submitted through the system, of which 50% has
been finalised to date, Gigaba says.


"Online applications are making a huge difference in the time spent in
queues. In April, in the first month following the launch, we were at
four thousand and eighty eight (4 088) online applications.


The system is now open to all citizens who bank with the four
participating banks: ABSA, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard
Bank. Currently 12 branches of these banks are connected to the system
in Gauteng, with 1 branch in Cape Town (Canal Walk Standard Bank),
Gigaba confirmed.


The department says plans are in place with the participating banks to
increase its footprint by October 2016 at the very earliest. Added to
this, its Steering Committee has been monitoring the implementation
and performance of the system has has since been able to identify gaps
in the system and speedily recommend upgrades to the Live Capture
System.


System maintenance and enhancements from Saturday, 03 September 2016
Accordingly, the department will undertake system maintenance and
enhancements from Saturday, 03 September 2016 in 178 offices that
issue Smart ID Cards and the 12 banks. There will be limited DHA
services in this period. Offices will not offer Smart ID Card and
passport services on that day.


Otherwise, those who experience problems in the application process
should call the Home Affairs Toll Free number – 0800 60 11 90.


Benefits of the system upgrade are the following:
- Citizens will be able to make changes to their already submitted
application forms on eHomeAffairs at any point, until the application
process is concluded at their banks.


- Offline performance enhancements will enable capturing of
applications even when the Live Capture System is offline, to ensure
clients are not turned away, or inconvenienced.


- Communications will be improved with regard to payments on
eHomeAffairs, by sending a notice if payment has not been
completed.


Long-term, the Department of Home Affairs aims to replace about 34
million green-barcoded ID books with the Smart ID Card.


"We are at 5.2 million cards issued. That is why we urge all citizens,
except for first time applicants of IDs, to use eHomeAffairs
conveniently to apply for Smart ID Cards, and passports.