Absa has partnered with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to launch the country’s first Smart ID-enabled Mobile Branch. The mobile branch, officially unveiled at the Mall of Thembisa, allows customers to apply for a Smart ID card, complete biometric enrolment, and collect their Smart ID cards within a secure banking environment without visiting a traditional Home Affairs office.
The initiative also coincides with the rollout of Department of Home Affairs Smart ID services to 15 participating Absa branches across South Africa, broadening access to essential identification services and supporting the government’s digital transformation agenda.
The launch brought together senior government and banking executives, highlighting the growing role of public-private partnerships in modernising public service delivery. Among those present were Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer Kenny Fihla, and Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Chief Executive for Personal and Private Banking at Absa Group. The leaders emphasized their shared commitment to improving convenience, accessibility and efficiency for South Africans by integrating government services into everyday banking locations.
Mobile branch brings Smart ID services closer to communities
Unlike conventional bank branches, the Smart ID-enabled Mobile Branch operates as a secure “Bank on the Move” unit capable of delivering Department of Home Affairs services directly to communities. Customers visiting the mobile branch can:
- Apply for a Smart ID card.
- Complete biometric fingerprint and facial image enrolment.
- Collect completed Smart ID cards.
- Access services within a secure banking environment located inside the mall.
The launch forms part of the Department of Home Affairs’ broader Digital Partnership programme under its Home Affairs @ Home reform initiative. The government aims to significantly expand Smart ID and passport services through participating banks, targeting 750 bank branches by the end of 2026 before increasing coverage to 1,000 branches by 2029.
The programme seeks to decentralise identity document services while leveraging the security infrastructure already available within South Africa’s banking sector.
Who can apply for a Smart ID at Absa branches?
Customers wishing to apply through participating bank branches must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen by birth.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have access to an online banking profile to authorise payment through the Department of Home Affairs’ digital platform.
The Department has indicated that eligibility will gradually expand to include permanent residents and naturalised citizens from visa-exempt countries as the programme grows. First-time Smart ID applications for children under 16 years of age continue to be processed through standard Home Affairs offices.
How the Smart ID application process works
Applicants begin the process by registering on the Department of Home Affairs’ eHomeAffairs online portal, where they complete the Smart ID application and submit the required information. Once the application is completed, applicants authorise payment through their internet banking platform. The first Smart ID issued to a 16-year-old applicant is free, while replacement cards generally attract a fee of R140.
After payment has been confirmed, applicants can book an appointment at a participating Absa branch or mobile unit to complete biometric verification before collecting the finished Smart ID card once it is ready. Applicants are required to bring their booking confirmation, existing green barcoded ID book or police affidavit if the document was lost, proof of residence, and an original birth certificate where applicable.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.