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George is one of 28 offices countrywide that has started to roll out the new system that will see every South African citizen's green bar-coded ID replaced by a Smart ID Card.
To urge people to follow suit, Van der Westhuizen received a special invitation from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to apply for an ID card last week. He was impressed at the speed with which his card was issued. It was ready for collection within three days.
According to Sharon Constance, Home Affairs George office manager, the Smart ID contains a number of security features, among which the hidden fingerprints of the card owner, which will eliminate fraud to a great extent.
People over the age of 60 and first time applicants (16 year olds) will receive their Smart ID Card for free. These are also the target age groups that take priority, although other members of the public who wish to apply will not be shown the door.
Councillors and heads of departments at government institutions have also been invited to set an example by applying as soon as possible. Home Affairs met with various other government departments, including Local Government, Education, and Social Services to discuss cooperation and ways of facilitating the application process of these groups.
Mosiuoa Ngaka, DHA district manager of operations: Eden and Central Karoo, said the green bar-coded ID will be phased out within the next seven to 10 years.
When you apply for the Smart ID Card you will need your green bar-coded ID, R140, the latest utility statement or account as proof of residence and your latest contact details to enable the DHA to send an alert when your card is ready.
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Nkekese Pietersen Mdeni sits down in the photo booth at Home Affairs for a digital photo to be taken for his Smart ID Card. Behind the computer is Malinge Duma, who handled his application.
ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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