Yesterday, President Jacob Zuma officially launched the eChannel Pilot Project of the Department of Home Affairs, effectively enabling South Africans to apply for their passports and smart ID cards online.
“So as to phase in the process, the new service will at first only be made available to 30 to 35-year-olds,” said Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba.
The new online application platform is a collaboration between the DHA and ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank, who will provide space for the DHA kiosks inside banks where clients can submit their fingerprints and pictures, having made appointments and payments online.
“We are hoping that this programme we are launching today will soon be extended to Home Affairs offices themselves,” Malusi said.
