Urgent Call to South Africans: Switch to Smart IDs to Prevent Identity Theft

Home Affairs and security experts are raising the alarm for South Africans still using the old green ID book. With a significant vulnerability to identity theft and other security issues, transitioning to Smart IDs has never been more crucial. Recent findings from Smile ID’s 2025 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa report reveal that the fraud rate associated with green ID books is a staggering 500% higher than that of Smart IDs.

South Africa’s green ID book holds the highest fraud rate on the continent, reaching a concerning 34%. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for citizens to upgrade their identification to the more secure Smart ID card.

Why Smart IDs Offer Better Protection

The newer Smart ID card is designed with enhanced security features to combat identity fraud effectively. A spokesperson from Home Affairs highlighted the critical differences between the two identification methods: “The safety features embedded in the green barcoded ID book are not at the level of the Smart card.” The department has not encountered any cases of identity theft involving the Smart ID, further emphasizing its reliability.

iiDENTIFii, a computer security firm, echoed these concerns, indicating that over 56% of businesses in South Africa view identity fraud as a future threat. Chief Operating Officer Murray Collyer noted the growing risks as the world shifts towards a more digital landscape, making it easier for criminals to exploit vulnerabilities.

Real-Life Consequences of Identity Fraud

The investigative TV program Carte Blanche has shed light on the severity of identity theft in South Africa. A recent exposé revealed an active syndicate in Soshanguve selling fake identity documents, demonstrating that no one is immune to this crime. The report disclosed that real identity profiles could be purchased for as little as R3,000, depending on the victim’s credit profile.

With identity theft leading to substantial personal and financial losses, the urgency for citizens to transition to Smart IDs is clear.

Making the Switch to Smart IDs

In response to these risks, Home Affairs is actively working to facilitate the transition to Smart ID cards. The department has expanded service points at select bank branches and deployed mobile units known as “Home Affairs on Wheels” to reach underserved areas. Currently, around 30 banks offer Smart ID services, with plans to include at least another 34 for eHomeAffairs support.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has expressed commitment to ensuring that every South African has access to these essential services. “I want every village, town, city, and suburb in South Africa to have access to Home Affairs services in a local bank branch,” he stated.

By the end of the 2024/2025 financial year, Home Affairs aims to issue a record-breaking 3.6 million Smart IDs, significantly exceeding its target of 2.5 million. This marks the strongest performance since Smart IDs were introduced a decade ago.

As identity theft continues to pose a growing threat in South Africa, the transition from green ID books to Smart IDs is critical. With the proactive measures being implemented by Home Affairs, more South Africans can protect their identities and secure their futures. Don’t wait—make the switch today to ensure your personal information remains safe in an increasingly digital world.

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