Home Affairs Announces Revised Timeline for Phasing Out Green ID Books

The South African Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that it will not be phasing out the Green ID book at the end of 2025 as initially announced. The new timeline reveals that Home Affairs will be working to ensure all citizens can access Smart IDs before making an official announcement on the transition. Minister Schreiber has emphasized that the delay is aimed at allowing all South Africans to obtain their Smart IDs before the Green ID books are officially invalidated.

In a recent announcement, Home Affairs Minister Schreiber stated, “Home Affairs will work flat-out this year to ensure that all South Africans are able to obtain Smart IDs.” The Department aims to ensure that no one is left without a legal form of identification before phasing out the Green ID book.

Despite the delay in the official phasing-out date, concerns remain regarding the accessibility of Smart IDs and their implementation. The rollout has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing concerns over the new digital identification system’s security and its potential implications for personal privacy.

The Green ID book has been a staple for South African citizens for decades, and many are reluctant to transition to the new digital format. The Smart IDs are touted as a more secure, forgery-resistant form of identification, with Home Affairs touting the technology’s enhanced security features. However, the process of ensuring every citizen can switch to a Smart ID is complex, with challenges around access to technology and issues in rural areas.

The timing of this rollout comes at a period of global technological advancements, raising questions about the alignment of these policies with international agendas. Some critics speculate that the South African government’s push towards Smart IDs might reflect broader global trends, such as those promoted by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

While no concrete evidence supports this claim, the transition to digital IDs raises questions about personal sovereignty and the potential for increased government surveillance. However, for now, the Home Affairs Department is focused on ensuring the public can access the new system before discontinuing the Green ID book entirely.